Isotretinoin has revolutionised the lives of many patients using it, as it is arguably our best defence against acne vulgaris. However, it is not without its side effects, particularly in the realm of musculoskeletal health. Karaosmanoğlu et al evaluated musculoskeletal symptoms in acne vulgaris patients treated with isotretinoin compared to healthy controls.
Acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory condition, often requires treatment with isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin has revolutionised the lives of many patients using it, as it is arguably our best defence against acne vulgaris. It has various side effects, including musculoskeletal issues such as arthralgia, myalgia, and sacroiliitis, have been reported in patients taking isotretinoin. However, controlled studies on these side effects are lacking. Karaosmanoğlu et al evaluated musculoskeletal symptoms in acne vulgaris patients treated with isotretinoin compared to healthy controls.
This study focused on musculoskeletal side effects in acne patients treated with isotretinoin, finding that a significant percentage experienced musculoskeletal pain. Notably, back pain was common, and its occurrence was dose dependent. Sacroiliitis, while rare, was observed, often presenting as inflammatory back pain. Clinicians should be vigilant, especially during the initial months of treatment. Notably, all rheumatologic symptoms of the patients disappeared after the discontinuation of the drug and the complaints were drug related.
Previous studies have reported similar findings, with musculoskeletal symptoms emerging within the first few months of isotretinoin therapy. This study corroborated these findings, emphasising the importance of early monitoring. The incidence of sacroiliitis was comparable to previous reports, although back pain was more prevalent in the isotretinoin group. Interestingly, sacroiliitis did not correlate with total cumulative drug dose, suggesting other factors may contribute. All the patients with sacroiliitis were completely symptom free at the sixth month of the discontinuation of the drug.
Research on isotretinoin-induced tendinopathy and enthesitis is limited but suggests a potential association. Clinical examination revealed tendinopathy in some patients, highlighting the need for further investigation. The exact mechanism of isotretinoin-induced musculoskeletal issues remains unclear but may involve alterations in cellular structures and stimulation of certain enzymes. MRI findings of sacroiliitis should be interpreted cautiously, as they may not always indicate pathology.
CONCLUSION
Low back pain is a very common side effect of isotretinoin and it is dose related. While sacroiliitis is rare, inflammatory back pain can occur. Clinicians should inquire about drug usage in patients presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms, as this may be overlooked. The statistically significant high prevalence of musculoskeletal findings in drug users in the same age group was considered as an important indicator that their symptoms were significantly drug dependent. Further research is needed to fully understand the musculoskeletal effects of isotretinoin. Considering that musculoskeletal complaints are mostly temporary, they can be often overlooked by clinicians.
REFERENCE
Karaosmanoğlu, N, Mülkoğlu, C. Analysis of musculoskeletal side effects of oral Isotretinoin treatment: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020:21,63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03656-w
