Investigation of the Effect of Oral Isotretinoin on Skin Thickness and Elasticity in Patients With Atrophic Acne Scar

Phase

N/A

Condition

Acne

Rash

Inflammatory Comedones

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT05413200

Ages 18-65
All Genders

Study Summary

Acne scar is a common complication of acne vulgaris (AV). Early and effective treatment of AV has a crucial role in managing both acne and acne scarring. Oral isotretinoin (OI) is a widely preferred agent in treating moderate and severe AV worldwide. It has been shown that topical retinoids can also be effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. However, there is no study in the literature evaluating the effectiveness of OI protocol on atrophic scars with objective data. With the developing sonoelastography technology in recent years, a quantitative, objective, and reliable examination of the elasticity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue can be provided. In this study, for a detailed and objective evaluation of the effects of OI on atrophic acne scars, we investigate the AV severity, atrophic scar grade, scar size (SS), dermis and subcutaneous tissue thickness (STT), and changes in scar and subcutaneous tissue elastic modulus (EM) in moderate and severe AV patients with atrophic acne scars by clinical observation and SWE.

Materials and Methods: It was designed as a single-center, prospective and observational study. Ethics committee approval was obtained. Thirty patients who applied to the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Dermatology Department, between November 2021 and January 2022 diagnosed with moderate and severe AV accompanied by atrophic acne scars were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. We started the OI with a standard dose regime. On days 0 and 90 of treatment, each patient's AV and scar severity; were evaluated with the global acne grading system (GAGS) and the Goodman and Baron Qualitative Global Scar Rating System (GSRS). On the same days, the dermal thickness (DT), STT, SS, scar, and subcutaneous tissue EM on the right and left cheeks were measured by the same experienced radiologist with SWE. Appropriate statistical methods analyzed the results.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Being over 18 years old
Being under 65 years old
Moderate to severe acne vulgaris with atrophic acne scars
Absence of keloidal or hypertrophic scars
Planning the use of oral isotretinoin in the treatment
No additional disease
Not smoking
Consent to participate in the study and treatment

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Using isotretinoin in the last 1 year
Using topical or systemic medication in addition to oral isotretinoin for thetreatment of acne vulgaris
Having a keloidal or hypertrophic scar
Being in pregnancy and lactation period
To plan a pregnancy or are unable to adapt to contraception
Known chronic diseases; skin cancer and other cancers, uncontrolled such as diabetes,hepatic failure/dysfunction, renal failure/dysfunction, neuromuscular diseases,autoimmune connective tissue diseases, hematological diseases, malabsorption diseases,inflammatory bowel diseases, pseudotumor cerebri, psychiatric diseases, andalcoholism.
Severe hypercholesterolemia (>250 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (> 500 mg/dL)
Elevated liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP) exceeding 3 times the upper limit
Creatine kinase elevation exceeding 5 times the upper limit
Using regular medication for another known disease
To smoke
A dermatological pathology other than facial acne vulgaris. (seborrheic dermatitis,rosacea, perioral dermatitis, herpes infection, impetigo, cutaneous lupuserythematosus, solar keratosis)
Using Vitamin A
Those who have or will receive a blood transfusion (during treatment or within 1 monthafter treatment)
Hypersensitivity to the drug's preservatives
Unrealistic expectations from treatment

Study Design

November 01, 2021

June 04, 2022

Connect with a study center

Istanbul Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, 34098
Turkey
Site Not Available

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