There are strong pregnancy warnings for patients using isotretinoin. What are the birth defects that may occur as a result of isotretinoin use and how common are they?
Introduction:
Almost everyone can expect to experience acne to some degree during their lifetime. Acne is characterized by noninflammatory, open or closed comedones and by inflammatory pustules, papules or nodules. It affects mostly the dense skin area with lots of sebaceous follicles such as face, back and upper part of the chest. It is considered an embarrassing, detrimental skin condition that may severely affect the quality of life for many teenagers and adults who are affected by it.
Pathophysiology:
There are many factors contributing to the pathology of acne; however, the main key factor is known to be genetics. Acne occurs when there are inflammatory mediators released into the skin, follicular hyperkeratinization with subsequent plugging of the follicle, excessive sebum production, and P. acnes follicular colonization1.
During an inflammatory response, cytokines produce CD4+ T cells and macrophages are activating local endothelial cells to up-regulate inflammatory mediators in the vessels around …show more content…
In addition to iPLEDGE registration requirements, isotretinoin also carries a long list of Black Box Warnings (BBW) regarding its use by women and adolescents who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Severe birth defects have been reported with this agent following exposure including abnormalities of the face (cleft palate), eyes, ears, skull, CNS, cardiovascular system, thymus and parathyroid glands5. Other severe birth defects such a spontaneous abortion and premature births have also been reported in women who are exposed to
Introduction:
Almost everyone can expect to experience acne to some degree during their lifetime. Acne is characterized by noninflammatory, open or closed comedones and by inflammatory pustules, papules or nodules. It affects mostly the dense skin area with lots of sebaceous follicles such as face, back and upper part of the chest. It is considered an embarrassing, detrimental skin condition that may severely affect the quality of life for many teenagers and adults who are affected by it.
Pathophysiology:
There are many factors contributing to the pathology of acne; however, the main key factor is known to be genetics. Acne occurs when there are inflammatory mediators released into the skin, follicular hyperkeratinization with subsequent plugging of the follicle, excessive sebum production, and P. acnes follicular colonization1.
During an inflammatory response, cytokines produce CD4+ T cells and macrophages are activating local endothelial cells to up-regulate inflammatory mediators in the vessels around …show more content…
In addition to iPLEDGE registration requirements, isotretinoin also carries a long list of Black Box Warnings (BBW) regarding its use by women and adolescents who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Severe birth defects have been reported with this agent following exposure including abnormalities of the face (cleft palate), eyes, ears, skull, CNS, cardiovascular system, thymus and parathyroid glands5. Other severe birth defects such a spontaneous abortion and premature births have also been reported in women who are exposed to