Open AccessIsotretinoin Associated Rhabdomyolysis: Monitoring Creatine Kinase and Educating Patients
Author(s) -
Folasade F. Fayiga,
Sophia Reyes-Hadsall,
Ludonir C. Sebastiany,
Sergey Arutyunyan,
Alina Wong,
Ana M. Duarte
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
skin appendage disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.773
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 2296-9195
pISSN - 2296-9160
DOI - 10.1159/000517831
Subject(s) - rhabdomyolysis , isotretinoin , medicine , creatine kinase , asymptomatic , dermatology , acne
Monitoring specific values at baseline and throughout treatment is standard of care for isotretinoin therapy; however, creatine kinase (CK) blood monitoring is often excluded. Herein, we describe the importance of CK monitoring during isotretinoin therapy to assess the risk of rhabdomyolysis and potential renal damage, regardless of muscle-related symptom presentation. We present 2 patients with hyperCKemia: a 16-year-old male on isotretinoin whose CK levels were elevated (7,325 U/L) when rhabdomyolysis symptoms were present, and an asymptomatic 18-year-old male with elevated CK levels (35,000 U/L) before starting isotretinoin. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend obtaining CK levels to monitor for and potentially prevent rhabdomyolysis and its associated complications.