John Barbieri Talks Lab Monitoring Challenges and Alternative Approaches for Accutane in Acne Care | AAD 2024

John Barbieri, M.D., MBA, associate professor of Harvard Medical School, spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive at this year's American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in San Diego.

Barbieri discussed the significance of Accutane (isotretinoin) in managing severe or scarring acne and focused on the concerns surrounding lab monitoring, particularly liver enzyme and lipid testing.

Barbieri presented research at the meeting that suggests liver function testing may not provide meaningful insights, and lipid testing's value in preventing pancreatitis is questioned.

He highlighted the psychological, medical and financial costs associated with monitoring and discussed alternative approaches, suggesting limited monitoring based on baseline and peak dose labs.

Additionally, he mentioned the evolving standards, with some dermatologists still practicing monthly lab monitoring.