The effects of isotretinoin treatment on sensory nerves: Electromyographic findings

Background: Isotretinoin, a first generation retinoid, has been reported to cause a variety of side effects on the neuromuscular system. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral isotretinoin on electromyographic findings.Material and Method: Fifteen patients (9 males, 6 females, aged 21.0 ± 3.1 years) with no evident neurological and neurophysiological findings planned to be treated with oral isotretinoin for nodulocystic acne were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent some laboratory investigations before treatment to exclude the other causes of peripheral neuropathy. Patients with normal findings in the first exam were prescribed 0.5 mg/kg/day oral isotretinoin. Before and after 6th months of isotretinoin treatment, neurological examination and electromyographic studies were performed.Results: Clinical examinations and electromyographic evaluations before and after treatment disclosed no abnormalities in any of the patients. Although the motor conduction parameters did not show any difference, a significant decrease in the mean sensory conduction velocities of median, ulnar and sural nerves and the mean amplitude of sensory action potential of ulnar nerve were detected 6 months after onset of treatment compared with pre-treatment values (p=0.04, p=0.03, p=0.01, p<0.01, respectively).Conclusion: Systemic administration of isotretinoin may cause electromyographic changes.