Does isotretinoin (ISO) Therapy Increase Coagulation Tendency? Evaluation of MPV values and MPV/platelet rate

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), an indicator of platelet activation, is a new risk factor for atherothrombosis and an important marker for the increase in thromboembolic diseases. MPV/platelet ratio is considered as a risk factor for various diseases such as myocardial infarction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible effect of ISO on blood cell counts especially MPV and MPV/platelet ratio.

75 patients, between the ages of 18–25 with moderate or severe acne vulgaris and using oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg) were included in the study. Platelet count and MPV values of patients (pre-treatment and 3 months after the treatment) were recorded retrospectively.

The mean age of patients was 23.32±3.44 years. 40 patients were female and 35 were male. MPV levels and MPV/p ratio of “before treatment period” were significantly higher than the “after treatment period” (p<0.001).

In the literature, alteration in platelet levels under ISO treatment is a controversial issue. Furthermore, it was emphasized that, ISO treatment may be change platelet functions. In our study, MPV values and MPV/p ratio were decreased after ISO treatment. Our data indicates that, the thromboembolic risk of patients with acne vulgaris may reduce after ISO treatment.