Long-term isotretinoin use does not cause parenchymal liver change: Ultrasonographic study in 50 patients.

The effect of isotretinoin on liver enzymes and lipid profile is reported as rare and reversible. However, possible parenchymal liver changes have not been demonstrated so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonography findings of the liver in patients receiving long-term isotretinoin therapy. We examined ultrasonographic findings of the liver together with serum alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in 50 consecutive patients who have taken isotretinoin 10-40 mg daily for at least 6 months between January and December 2017. Of 50 patients examined, 40 were female, 10 were male. Mean age of the patients was 24.8 years. Five patients aged between 42 and 62 were found to have Grade 1 hepatosteatosis. Despite a moderate elevation, serum ALT, AST, and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were in normal range in these five patients. Moreover, one patient had elevated ALT, and one another patient had elevated triglyceride level although both have normal liver ultrasonographic findings. Isotretinoin did not cause parenchymal liver changes as well as serum ALT, AST, and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients who take it 10-40 mg daily for at least 6 months.