Utilization and prescription patterns of Isotretinoin therapy in a hospital setting

ABSTRACT

To evaluate how closely hospital practice meets known standards in the prescription and utilization pattern of Isotretinoin therapy in GMC Hospital, Ajman. A retrospective observational study was conducted of patients who were prescribed Isotretinoin between October 2009 - September 2010, as an audit by the department to see how closely hospital practice meets known standards and the outcomes. 53 patients were treated in the age group of 16-44, of which 31 were females. No single pregnancy occurred during the study and there was no evidence of clinical depression. All patients reported significant improvement in their clinical condition. Based on this study it seems reasonable to conclude that Isotretinoin is an effective and well tolerated drug for the treatment of nodulocystic acne. The fact that no pregnancies occurred reflect on the adequate patient information and education. None of the patients had depression. Side effects seemed negligible due to the small sample size. Ordering a pregnancy test in unmarried females was culturally unacceptable in this region. Six female patients were married in whom a pregnancy test was done before starting therapy and during the course of treatment. This study was conducted to show that though hospital practice could not meet known standards due to regional and cultural factors, the fact that no pregnancies occurred, prove that patients were adequately informed