• Austin Liu, Deborah J Yang, Peter C Gerhardstein, and Sylvia Hsu.
• Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
• J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Oct 1; 7 (10): 963-6.

BackgroundIsotretinoin is the most effective systemic treatment option for patients with nodulocystic acne or acne vulgaris who have failed a treatment with systemic antibiotics.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 405 acne patients treated with isotretinoin to evaluate the incidence of recurrence after a course of at least 150 mg/kg of isotretinoin.ResultsOf the 405 patients evaluated, 94 (23.2%) experienced relapses severe enough for the patient to request further medical management. Of the 94 patients, 76 (80.9%) relapsed within the first 2 years following completion of a course of isotretinoin.LimitationsThis was a retrospective study at a single practice site.ConclusionAlmost one-fifth of patients have a recurrence of acne within the first 2 years. Patients should be made aware of this information, as it will contribute to the development of accurate and appropriate expectations of therapy.

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