KAUAI, HAWAII – Hilary Baldwin, MD, medical director of the Acne Treatment and Research Center, Morristown, N.J., recently changed how she monitors patients on isotretinoin.
The latest research indicates that ongoing CBCs really aren’t necessary, and that GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), which is liver specific, is a far better option than ALT/AST to keep tabs on the liver. Creatine kinase can’t be ignored, either, especially in young, athletic patients, because of the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
In a video interview at the Hawaii Dermatology Seminar provided by Global Academy for Medical Education/Skin Disease Education Foundation, Dr. Baldwin explained the thinking behind her new approach, plus what else needs to be monitored and for how long – and the level of creatine kinase that should raise a red flag for clinicians.
Dr. Baldwin is a speaker, advisor, and/or investigator for a number of companies, including Allergan, Galderma, and La Roche Posay.
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