Isotretinoin Hepatotoxicity or Isotretinoin Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Abstract

While isotretinoin, a drug used for the treatment of severe nodulocystic acne, is known to be hepatotoxic, an association with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been suggested so far. A 17-year-old girl diagnosed with AIH following isotretinoin use for acne vulgaris is presented, and the differences between isotretinoin hepatotoxicity and isotretinoin triggered AIH were discussed. To conclude this case, we want to underline that induction of an AIH by isotretinoin, even though so far unreported, is possible and thus the drug should be used with care, especially in patients with another autoimmune disease.

Keywords

• autoimmune hepatitis
• hepatotoxicity
• isotretinoin