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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Nov 2023Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune condition resulting in nonscarring hair loss. In recent years, many studies have provided new evidence on comorbid diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune condition resulting in nonscarring hair loss. In recent years, many studies have provided new evidence on comorbid diseases present in patients with AA. However, some studies have conflicting results, and analyses conducting a comprehensive approach are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of medical comorbidities associated with AA.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies investigating medical comorbidities in AA published from inception through 1 February 2023.
RESULTS
We screened 3428 abstracts and titles and reviewed 345 full text articles for eligibility. Ultimately, 102 studies were analyzed, comprising 680,823 patients with AA and 72,011,041 healthy controls. Almost all included studies (100 of 102 studies) were of satisfactory to high quality (Newcastle-Ottawa scale score ≥ 4). Among patients with AA, comorbidities with the highest odds ratios (OR) compared with healthy controls and data available from more than one study included vitamin D deficiency (OR 10.13, 95% CI 4.24-24.20), systemic lupus erythematous (OR 5.53, 95% CI 3.31-9.23), vitiligo (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.86-15.10), metabolic syndrome (OR 5.03, 95% CI 4.18-6.06), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (OR 4.31, 95% CI 2.51-7.40). AA may be a protective factor for certain disorders, for which the AA group had lower odds compared with healthy controls, such as irritable bowel syndrome (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14-0.99) and colorectal cancer (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.89).
CONCLUSION
These findings corroborate and contextualize the risks across comorbidities for patients with AA. Further work should be done to identify the underlying pathophysiology and understand appropriate screening criteria.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Cross-Sectional Studies; Comorbidity; Autoimmune Diseases
PubMed: 37464249
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00805-4 -
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and... 2023Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a variety of growth factors and has been widely used in maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and other... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a variety of growth factors and has been widely used in maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and other fields. In recent years, with the increasing morbidity of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the use of PRP has also increased. The objective of this article was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP for AGA. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering the databases from their earliest records until March 2022. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore the effects of PRP for hair density, hair count, and hair diameter in AGA. Nine trials involving 238 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that PRP for AGA increased hair density at 3 and 6 months with statistically significant differences compared with the placebo ( < .05). PRP also increased hair count and hair diameter compared with the baseline, but there was no significant difference compared with the placebo ( > .05). Two of the 7 studies reported adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions were found. In conclusion, PRP is an effective and safe treatment for increasing the hair density in AGA. Trial registration: The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022362432).
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Alopecia; Hair; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37533146
DOI: 10.1177/12034754231191461 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Jun 2023The incidence of alopecia areata (AA) has increased over the last few decades. Trichoscopy is a noninvasive procedure performed in dermatology clinics and is a helpful... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The incidence of alopecia areata (AA) has increased over the last few decades. Trichoscopy is a noninvasive procedure performed in dermatology clinics and is a helpful tool in determining the correct diagnosis of hair loss presentations.
OBJECTIVE
Through mapping the researches that have been done to represent the spectrum of trichoscopic findings in AA and to identify the most characteristic patterns.
METHODS
Thirty-nine studies were eligible for the quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies (29 cross-sectional, five retrospective, two descriptive, one case series, one observational, and one cohort) with a total of 3204 patients were included. About 66.7% of the studies were from Asia, 25.6% from Europe, and 7.7% from Africa. The most characteristic trichoscopic findings of AA were as follows; yellow dots, black dots, broken hairs, short vellus hairs, and tapering hairs.
CONCLUSION
There is no single pathognomonic diagnostic trichoscopic finding in AA rather than a constellation of characteristic findings. The five most characteristic trichoscopic findings in AA are: yellow dots, black dots, broken hairs, short vellus hairs, and tapering hairs. Yellow dots and short vellus hairs considered the most sensitive clues for AA, while black dots and tapering hairs are the most specific ones. Furthermore, trichoscopy is a useful tool that allows monitoring of response during the treatment of AA. Treatment responded cases will show an increase in short vellus hairs, but loss of tapering hairs, broken hairs, and black dots, while yellow dots are the least responsive to the treatment.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Dermoscopy; Vitamin D Deficiency; Humans
PubMed: 37357664
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13378 -
International Journal of Dermatology Aug 2020Topical minoxidil has been used for almost 40 years to treat alopecia. There is growing evidence supporting off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil.
BACKGROUND
Topical minoxidil has been used for almost 40 years to treat alopecia. There is growing evidence supporting off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review evaluating the use of oral minoxidil for all types of alopecia.
METHODS
A primary literature search was conducted using PubMed in May 2019, utilizing the search term "oral minoxidil AND (hair loss OR alopecia OR baldness)". Reviews, non-English studies, and articles concerning only topical minoxidil were excluded.
RESULTS
Ten articles were included for review comprising a total 19,218 patients (215 women and 19,003 men). Oral minoxidil dose ranged from 0.25 to 5 mg daily to twice daily. The strongest evidence existed for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata (AA), with 61-100% and 18-82.4% of patients demonstrating objective clinical improvement. Successful treatment of female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, monilethrix, and permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia was also reported. The most common adverse effects with oral minoxidil included hypertrichosis and postural hypotension.
CONCLUSION
Oral minoxidil is a safe and successful treatment of androgenic alopecia and AA. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, practical advantages over topical minoxidil stem from improved patient compliance.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Alopecia; Alopecia Areata; Female; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Male; Minoxidil; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32516434
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14933 -
Dermatology and Therapy Nov 2023Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by abscesses, nodules, fistulas, and scarring alopecia. Management of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by abscesses, nodules, fistulas, and scarring alopecia. Management of this oftentimes debilitating dermatosis can be challenging due to its recalcitrant nature. There is limited data regarding the efficacy of treatment options for DCS.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to explore the efficacy and safety of reported DCS treatments.
METHODS
In October 2022, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles on treatments for DCS. Studies that contained outcome efficacy data for DCS treatments were included. Reviews, conference abstracts, meta-analyses, commentaries, non-relevant articles, and articles with no full-text available were excluded. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
A total of 110 relevant articles with 417 patients were identified. A majority of studies (86.4%) were case reports or series. Treatment options included systemic antibiotics, oral retinoids, biologics, procedural treatments, combination agents, and topical treatments. Oral retinoids and photodynamic therapy were the most extensively studied medical and procedural interventions, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Overall, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate various treatment regimens for DCS and provide patients with a robust, evidence-based approach to therapy.
PubMed: 37740150
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01018-7 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023JAK inhibitors treat various autoimmune diseases, but an updated systematic review in treating alopecia areata is currently lacking. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
JAK inhibitors treat various autoimmune diseases, but an updated systematic review in treating alopecia areata is currently lacking.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the specific efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata by systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials up to May 30, 2022, were searched. We enrolled in randomized controlled trials and observational studies of applying JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata.
RESULTS
6 randomized controlled trials with 1455 patients exhibited SALT (odd ratio [OR], 5.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.49-7.38), SALT (OR, 7.40; 95% CI, 4.34-12.67) and change in SALT score (weighted mean difference [WSD], 5.55; 95% CI, 2.60-8.50) compared to the placebo. The proportion of 26 observational studies with 563 patients of SALT was 0.71(95% CI, 0.65-0.78), SALT was 0.54(95% CI 0.46-0.63), SALT was 0.33(95% CI, 0.24-0.42), and SALT score (WSD, -2.18; 95% CI, -3.12 to -1.23) compared with baseline. Any adverse effects occurred in 921 of 1508 patients; a total of 30 patients discontinued the trial owing to adverse reactions.
LIMITATIONS
Few randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and insufficiency of eligible data.
CONCLUSION
JAK inhibitors are effective in alopecia areata, although associated with an increased risk.
Topics: Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Alopecia Areata; Autoimmune Diseases; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 37334349
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1195858 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss. With the widespread application of JAK inhibitors in immune-related diseases,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss. With the widespread application of JAK inhibitors in immune-related diseases, attention is being given to their role in the treatment of AA. However, it is unclear which JAK inhibitors have a satisfactory or positive effect on AA. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA.
METHODS
The network meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials as well as a small number of cohort studies. The differences in efficacy and safety between the treatment and control groups were compared.
RESULTS
Five randomized controlled trials, two retrospective studies, and two prospective studies involving 1689 patients were included in this network meta-analysis. In terms of efficacy, oral baricitinib and ruxolitinib significantly improved the response rate of patients compared to placebo [MD = 8.44, 95% CI (3.63, 19.63)] and [MD = 6.94, 95% CI, (1.72, 28.05)],respectively. Oral baricitinib treatment significantly improved the response rate compared to non-oral JAK inhibitor treatment [MD=7.56, 95% CI (1.32,43.36)]. Oral baricitinib, tofacitinib, and ruxolitinib treatments significantly improved the complete response rate compared to placebo [MD = 12.21, 95% CI (3.41, 43.79)], [MD = 10.16, 95% CI (1.02, 101.54)], and [MD = 9.79, 95% CI, (1.29, 74.27)], respectively. In terms of safety, oral baricitinib, tofacitinib, and ruxolitinib treatments significantly reduced treatment-emergent adverse event rates compared with conventional steroid treatment [MD = 0.08, 95% CI (0.02, 0.42)], [MD = 0.14, 95% CI (0.04, 0.55)], and [MD = 0.35, 95% CI, (0.14, 0.88)], respectively.
CONCLUSION
Oral baricitinib and ruxolitinib are excellent options for the treatment of AA owing to their good efficacy and safety profiles. In contrast, non-oral JAK inhibitors do not appear to have satisfactory efficacy in treating AA. However, further studies are required to verify the optimal dose of JAK inhibitors for AA therapy.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Network Meta-Analysis; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37138884
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152513 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Sep 2016No systematic review has yet evaluated the available evidence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in alopecia areata (AA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
No systematic review has yet evaluated the available evidence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in alopecia areata (AA).
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of HRQOL studies among patients diagnosed with AA.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed for papers published between 1946 and 15 December 2014 in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool data.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included, representing a total of 2530 adult patients with AA. Of the 14 different HRQOL measures used in the studies, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; n = 8) and SF-36 (n = 7) were the most common. Three AA-specific HRQOL instruments were identified: Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index, Alopecia Areata Quality of Life and Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale. The mean pooled DLQI score of patients with AA was 6·3 (95% confidence interval 5·6-7·1). Comparing age- and sex-matched controls, the meta-analysis of SF-36 studies revealed significantly reduced HRQOL across the role-emotional, mental health and vitality domains (P < 0·001). Wearing a wig had a positive impact, while scalp involvement, anxiety and depression had a negative impact on HRQOL. Conflicting results were found regarding the association between HRQOL and age, sex, marital status and disease duration.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with AA experience significant impairment in HRQOL, especially in the area of mental health. Several generic and dermatology-specific HRQOL instruments have been used, but no validation studies have confirmed their applicability in AA. The newly developed AA-specific measures seem very promising; however, a more extensive assessment of validity and reliability is needed.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Alopecia Areata; Anxiety; Depression; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Humans; Male; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 26914830
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14497 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Dec 2020Several studies have investigated the association between selenium levels and skin diseases, but reached inconsistent results. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several studies have investigated the association between selenium levels and skin diseases, but reached inconsistent results.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between selenium levels and skin diseases.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in public databases to identify all relevant studies, and study-specific standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to compare the selenium levels between different groups.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies were identified with a total of 1315 patient and 7181 healthy controls. Compared with controls, no significant difference in selenium was found in patients with vitiligo (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: -0.40 to 1.45), alopecia areata (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: -2.72 and 3.65), or eczema (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.48). A lower selenium level was found in patients with psoriasis (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.10), acne vulgaris (SMD = -1.02, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.60), chloric acne (SMD = -2.35, 95% CI: -3.15 to -1.55), and atopic dermatitis (SMD = -2.62, 95% CI: -3.00 to -2.24). As for disease severity, severe patients had a higher selenium level than mild patients in psoriasis (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.07-1.38), but no difference was found in vitiligo (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -2.38 to 1.85) and alopecia areata (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: -0.34 to 1.26).
CONCLUSION
Selenium levels were associated with several skin diseases and the disease severity, and high selenium levels tended to be a protective factor in certain skin diseases.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Psoriasis; Selenium; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Diseases; Vitiligo
PubMed: 32497930
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126548 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Angioedema; Chronic Disease; Urticaria; Urticaria, Solar
PubMed: 36796725
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.01.039