A Retrospective Evaluation of the Laboratory Findings of Dermatology Patients Whose Biotin Levels Were Checked

Abstract

Biotin is widely known to be beneficial for the hair, nails, and skin, but there are only a few studies on biotin. We evaluated whether there is a relationship between biotin levels and age, gender, and frequently observed laboratory findings. We also evaluated biotin levels according to the reason for checking biotin levels. MethodsOne hundred five patients applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic and had their biotin levels checked. Patient files were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThere were a weak positive (r=0.207) relationship between biotin levels and basophil count, a weak positive (r=0.201) relationship between biotin levels and creatinine, and a weak positive (r=0.314) relationship between biotin levels and cholesterol/triglyceride ratio. There were a weak negative (r=-0.216) relationship between biotin levels and mean platelet volume (MPV) and a moderately negative (r=-0.315) relationship between biotin levels and triglyceride levels. ConclusionBiotin levels do not significantly differ with gender but increase with age. Although a weak correlation was detected between hemogram parameters and biotin levels with basophil percentage and mean platelet volume values, biotin did not significantly change hemogram parameters. The relationship between biotin levels and triglyceride levels was the most critical finding of our study. We recommend examining biotin levels in the patients with high triglyceride levels. When we encounter dermatological side effects related to the use of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, we recommend evaluating biotin levels. We recommend that biotin supplementation be made only in the patients with deficiencies and that biotin levels be measured in the follow-up.

Biotin Homeostasis and Human Disorders: Recent Findings and Perspectives

“…Thus, several authors have reported a lack of sufficient evidence for suggesting biotin as an effective treatment for various dermatological conditions; as a consequence, several authors have proposed that biotin administration to treat/improve dermatological symptoms should be prescribed with caution, especially due to biotin interference with immunoassays determining critical biomarkers (see Section 7.1 ) [ 120 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 ]. Other authors have recommended that biotin supplementation be administered only in patients with proved biotin-associated deficiencies and that biotin levels should be measured in the patients’ follow-up [ 126 ].…”

“…An ELISA-type assay was also developed by our group [ 130 ]. ELISA kits for biotin are currently commercially available and have been widely used for many years [ 76 , 126 , 131 , 132 ]. In a recent paper, biotin (among other analytes) was measured in blood plasma of healthy volunteers living in a low-altitude area who had been transported to high altitude using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) [ 133 ].…”

“…In another recent study [ 126 ], one hundred and five patients of a dermatology outpatient clinic had their biotin levels determined, while the patients’ files were retrospectively analyzed. As revealed, biotin is not significantly correlated with hemogram parameters, while there was a moderately negative relationship between biotin levels and triglyceride levels.…”

“…Moreover, it was observed that biotin levels increased with age, but the differences found could not be considered statistically significant. In addition, although there was only one case, biotin levels were found to be low in a patient with erlotinib-induced skin rash [ 126 ].…”