Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2011;3(3):188-191
Introduction: Isotretinoin was initially used to treat severe inflammatory acne and is now
widely recognized as an effective therapy for acne vulgaris. Many factors are associated
with the recurrence of this condition, which ranges from 5.6-65.4%. There is much con-
troversy regarding the importance and contribution of each factor.
Objectives: To determine the recurrence rate in patients who underwent full treatment
with oral isotretinoin (dose between 120 and 150 mg/kg) and risk factors.
Methods: Retrospective study of data from 276 patients treated with isotretinoin. The
analysis was carried out after a minimum of 30 months after the end of the treatment.
Recurrence was defined as the appearance of new active lesions that required retreatment.
Results: While the recurrence rate in patients who underwent the full dose was 25.53%,
it reached 81.03% in those who received an incomplete dose. The other studied factors
presented no statistical significance.
Conclusion: Oral isotretinoin therapy is effective in producing a significant and long-
term reduction of acne. Nevertheless, it is important to note that recurrence can occur,
especially when recommended doses are not reached.
Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS, ISOTRETINOIN, RECURRENCE