Knowledge levels and concerns about oral isotretinoin treatment in the parents of adolescent acne patients

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding the Use of Isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia

Background Acne vulgaris is a widespread chronic inflammatory dermatological disease with a worldwide prevalence of 9.4%, affecting a large percentage of the young population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the use of isotretinoin among the Saudi population. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Saudi Arabia between April 2023 and July 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed across five regions of Saudi Arabia (central, eastern, western, southern, and northern) using Google Survey. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, the pattern of isotretinoin used, and a 24-item questionnaire to assess the knowledge about isotretinoin. Results Of the 3,001 participants, 77.1% were females, and 55.4% were aged between 16 and 25 years. The prevalence of participants who previously used isotretinoin was 30.6%. The total mean knowledge score was 10.4 (SD = 5.99) out of 24 points, with more than half (52.9%) considered to have poor knowledge, 39.1% moderate knowledge, and only 7.9% good knowledge. Younger participants, female gender, Saudi nationality, never been married, and previous use of isotretinoin were associated with increased knowledge. Conclusions The knowledge of the general population regarding isotretinoin use was lacking. However, younger Saudi females who had previous isotretinoin usage tended to be more knowledgeable about isotretinoin compared to the rest of the participants. Increasing the general public's knowledge regarding isotretinoin and its safe use is necessary.

Patients' Knowledge and Information Needs about Isotretinoin Therapy Use in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Despite being the first-line treatment for severe or moderate acne, isotretinoin has several serious side effects that necessitate the evaluation of patients' knowledge about isotretinoin side effects and its proper use.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aim was to explore information needs about isotretinoin by evaluating patients' knowledge about the appropriate use of isotretinoin and its associated side effects.

METHODS

In addition to the sociodemographic variables, a validated online questionnaire was adopted from the literature to evaluate patients' knowledge about isotretinoin use and its potential side effects. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were implemented to find the correlation between the study variables and the knowledge score.

RESULTS

The most recognized side effect of isotretinoin therapy was dryness (98.1%). The study patients showed good knowledge about isotretinoin use with a mean knowledge score of 8.1 (SD = 0.7). However, more than half of them (61.0%) mistakenly thought that isotretinoin therapy should be taken continuously for more than 6 months without stop, and some of them did not know that isotretinoin is recommended to be taken with fatty meal (24%) and sunblock (24.6%). Female gender (8.2 (SD = 0.8)) and using isotretinoin for more than 6 months (8.3 (SD = 1.2)) were significantly associated with a higher knowledge score of isotretinoin use (p=0.01), when compared with male patients (7.8 (SD = 0.7)) and less than 6-month use of isotretinoin (7.7 (SD = 0.7)).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of patients' information about the potential side effects, duration of therapy, and some instructions on isotretinoin use, such as taking the medication with fatty meal and sunblock, shed the light on the necessity to prepare leaflets, educational brochures, and educational posts via social media in order to improve patients' knowledge about isotretinoin therapy and its optimal use.

MMP-1 (519 A/G) and TIMP-1 (372 T/C) genes polymorphism in an Egyptian sample of Acne vulgaris patients

BACKGROUND

Different Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family members may be implicated in acne vulgaris development. However, there are no published data about the role of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 gene polymorphisms in acne vulgaris development.

AIMS

To evaluate the association between MMP-1 (519 A/G) and TIMP-1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing acne vulgaris among a sample of Egyptian acne patients.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This case-control study included 100 acne vulgaris patients and 120 apparently healthy control subjects. Acne severity was assessed according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). MMP-1 (519 A/G) and TIMP-1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms were investigated using RFLP-PCR technique.

RESULTS

The MMP-1 (519 A/G) AG and GG genotypes and G allele increase the risk of acne vulgaris~2-3 folds. In female patients, TIMP-1 (372 C/T) TT genotype and T allele showed significantly higher frequency in cases compared with the control group (p = 0.004, 0.001 respectively) with a higher risk to develop acne. On the other hand, in male patients, there was insignificant difference between the frequency of alleles in patients and control subjects. TIMP-1 (372C/T) TT genotype has been shown to be significantly detected in the studied female patients associated with the positive family history of the disease, and it increases the risk of back affection, severe acne grade development, and the liability to postacne scar formation.

CONCLUSION

MMP-1 (519 A/G) and TIMP-1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms may be related to acne vulgaris development.

Dermatologists' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Dry Eye Disease, Refractive Surgery, and Contact Lenses When Prescribing Isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia

Purpose

This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia with regard to dry eye disease, refractive surgery, and contact lenses when prescribing isotretinoin.

Methods

A total of 150 dermatologists from major cities in Saudi Arabia were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a consent interview questionnaire.

Results

Of the 150 dermatologists who participated, 77 (51.3%) were men. Seventy-three (48.3%) dermatologists always prescribed isotretinoin to patients and 71 (47.3%) sometimes prescribed it. One hundred forty-six (97.3%) dermatologists self-reported their awareness of the ocular side effects of the drug. One hundred twenty (80.0%) responded that it was not important to refer patients to an ophthalmologist for an eye examination before starting the isotretinoin course. Lubricant eye drops were routinely prescribed by 96% of the respondents during the isotretinoin course. Fifty (33.3%) dermatologists rarely or never asked patients about recent refractive surgery before starting the isotretinoin course. Sixty-six (44%) dermatologists rarely or never warned their patients to avoid refractive surgery for at least 6 months after the isotretinoin course is completed. One hundred ten (73.3%) dermatologists always informed their patients of contact lens intolerance as a result of isotretinoin use.

Conclusion

Almost all participants prescribed lubricant eye drops routinely. Most participants self-reported their knowledge regarding the ocular side effects of isotretinoin; however, more than a third did not inquire about recent refractive surgery before starting the course, and less than half did not warn patients not to undergo refractive surgery 6 months after the end of the course. This demonstrates that a significant proportion of dermatologists do not follow the appropriate practices with respect to refractive surgery when they prescribe isotretinoin. Improving the dermatologists’ awareness regarding isotretinoin prescription practice is essential with respect to laser refractive surgery to prevent ocular damage.