Loading

Concepts in Neurology and Research
[ ISSN : 2833-3667 ]


Awareness of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension among Patients Taking Isotretinoin

Research Article
Volume 4 - Issue 1 | Article DOI :  10.54026/CNR/1017


Maryam Anwar AlMuhaish1, Fatimah Ahmed Alghirash1, Amani Anwar AlHejji1, Abdulelah Mabrouk Alharthi1, Talal Fahad Alzahrani1, Razan Anwar Alabdulqader1, Sami Fadhel Almalki2 and Abdullah Khaled Alarfaj2*

1King Faisal University, College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia
2Division of Neurosurgery, Surgery Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi

Corresponding Authors

Abdullah K. Alarfaj, Division of Neurosurgery, Surgery Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Keywords

Idiopathic intracranial; Hypertension; Isotretinoin; Dermatology

Received : May 16, 2024
Published : May 31, 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Isotretinoin, a potent acne treatment, has notable side effects, including depression and teratogenicity. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, has been linked to isotretinoin. This study explores the awareness of IIH among isotretinoin users in Saudi Arabia, addressing a crucial healthcare concern.

Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire shared via social media and in dermatology clinics. Data is cleaned in excel and analyzed in IBM SPSS 29.

Results: Our study included 420 Isotretinoin users, primarily females (76.9%), aged 18-25 (64.3%), from Eastern (29.5%) and Western (26.7%) regions, with high school (49.3%) and university graduates (46.7%). All used Isotretinoin for acne treatment, with varied usage durations. Some used additional medications like Vit. A (Retinol) (23.1%). Notably, only 26.7% were aware of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), and 18.1% believed Isotretinoin increased IIH risk. Educational level significantly impacted IIH awareness (p<0.001), while age, gender, and regional factors had less impact. Acne presence did not notably affect IIH awareness.

Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the necessity of enhancing Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) awareness among Isotretinoin users. Despite some sociodemographic influences on awareness, there is a pervasive lack that requires targeted education for safer medication use and improved patient outcomes.