Introduction

Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoid) is a synthetic retinoid. It was approved by the FDA in 1982 for use of oral isotretinoin in severe acne. It is also used in moderate-severe acne that does not respond to conventional treatments. Isotretinoin is the only available drug that affects all stages of acne pathogenesis.

Aim

To prospectively investigate whether there is an effect of isotretinoin therapy on auditory function and, if so, to demonstrate its association with simultaneous blood lipid levels.

Material and methods

Thirty patients (60 ears) with acne vulgaris, who received 0.5 mg/kg of isotretinoin therapy, were included in the study. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and pure tone audiometry tests were performed to evaluate auditory function at the beginning of the procedure and the 6th month of treatment. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels were recorded.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment mean pure tone audiometry threshold and DPOAE values; however, the increase in total blood cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels and the decrease in HDL levels were statistically significant.

Conclusions

According to our study findings, isotretinoin did not cause worsening of the bilateral hearing threshold, but increased blood lipid levels. There is no need for follow-up auditory functions in routine practice during therapy, but blood lipid levels should be monitored.