Bone mineral density in patients receiving isotretinoin and acitretin

Abstract

Background and design: Isotretinoin and acitretin, known as retinoids, are synthetic derivaties of vitamin A. They have been known to cause a variety of skeletal side effects. The aim of the study was to determine whether the patients receiving synthetic retinoids are under the risk of osteoporosis. Material and Method: Nineteen patients who received 0.5 mg/kg/day dose of acitretin (n=16) and isotretinoin (n=3) were included in this study. Bone mineral density (g/cm2) of left hip (neck, trochanter) and lumbar spine (L2-L4) were measured by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry before and at the sixth month of the therapy. Results: We didn't find statistically significant difference in bone mineral density (p>0.05). Conclusion: Short term (six months) isotretinoin and acitretin with a low dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day were not due to osteoporosis at the lumbar spine and the hip.