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Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2022Intramuscular corticosteroids (IMC) have gained popularity for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in recent years; however, evidence on their efficacy and...
INTRODUCTION
Intramuscular corticosteroids (IMC) have gained popularity for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in recent years; however, evidence on their efficacy and safety is still limited.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy, relapse rate, and tolerability of IMC in the treatment of AA, as well as factors associated with treatment outcomes.
METHODS
Time-to-event analysis was performed on patients with severe, extensive, or rapidly progressive AA receiving IMC. The IMC regimen comprised triamcinolone acetonide 20-40 mg/mL injected every 4-6 weeks. The evaluated outcomes included initial (25% regrowth), significant (75% regrowth), and complete hair regrowth (100% regrowth). Relapse and adverse events were also noted. Factors associated with treatment outcomes and relapse were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.
RESULTS
A total of 101 patients were eligible for analysis. Significant hair regrowth was obtained in 80.2% of the patients (n = 81), in a median time of 3.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9-4.4). Complete hair regrowth was achieved in 48.5% of the subjects (n = 49), and relapse was observed in 47.5% (n = 48). Acneiform eruption was the most common adverse effect. Multivariable analysis revealed that nail involvement was a negative predictor of significant hair regrowth (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01-0.55; P = 0.015), whereas duration of AA longer than 6 months was associated with disease recurrence (adjusted HR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.52-4.66; P = 0.005).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of IMC in the treatment of severe or active AA; however, the relapse rate remained relatively high after discontinuation of the therapy. Nail involvement was a negative predictor of significant hair regrowth, while disease duration longer than 6 months predicted AA relapse.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; Alopecia Areata; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35027820
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S342179 -
Case Reports in Endocrinology 2021Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a progressive life-threatening illness with no known cure. Current treatments involve replacement of the hormone...
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a progressive life-threatening illness with no known cure. Current treatments involve replacement of the hormone deficiencies that result from autoimmune destruction of multiple endocrine organs. We report on a girl whose disease was progressing rapidly until she began on immunosuppressive agents. A healthy 6-year-old girl with no remarkable medical history presented with new onset hypocalcemic seizures and primary hypoparathyroidism. Howell-Jolly bodies consistent with autoimmune hyposplenism were also noted. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 disease-associated variants in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. She later developed elevated liver enzymes, primary adrenal insufficiency, and alopecia totalis. Serologic testing revealed antibodies to 21-hydroxylase, intrinsic factor, and smooth muscle. Hydrocortisone was initiated for adrenal insufficiency. Shortly afterwards, her liver enzymes normalized, and her smooth muscle antibody levels began to decline. Serologic testing performed at age 11 revealed seropositivity for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and Sjögren syndrome A (SSA) antibodies. At age 12, she was given 2 doses of rituximab. Hair loss rapidly progressed to alopecia totalis and then to alopecia universalis, at which time oral methotrexate treatment was initiated. For the past 7 years while on glucocorticoid and methotrexate treatment, our patient has displayed normalization of 2 antibodies, a lack of progression to additional autoimmune diseases, and experienced reversal of alopecia universalis.
PubMed: 34938581
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6009141 -
Skin Appendage Disorders Nov 2021Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices.
BACKGROUND
Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the records of the pediatric dermatology department over a 12-year period to identify children with AA. Clinical data were collected.
RESULTS
Three hundred and sixty-four children with AA were identified, aged 1-12 years, 214 males and 150 females. The mean age of onset was 6.6 years (±3.3). The disease presented with patches on the scalp in the majority (90.7%), whereas only 6 children had alopecia totalis or universalis. The most commonly prescribed treatment was topical steroids (69.1%), followed by the combination of topical steroids and minoxidil 2% (14.3%). Oral steroids were prescribed in only 16 children. Follow-up at 3 months was available for only 70 children and the majority (84.3%) had some hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was unrelated to the number of plaques ( = 0.257), disease location ( = 0.302), and atopy ( = 0.999). Hair regrowth only correlated with the type of treatment ( = 0.003) with potent topical and intralesional steroids giving the best results.
CONCLUSION
AA usually presents with a mild form in children, and potent topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment.
PubMed: 34901176
DOI: 10.1159/000518042 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Nov 2021Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory disease with autoimmune, environmental, and inherited components directed at the hair follicle, either limited to patchy hair...
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory disease with autoimmune, environmental, and inherited components directed at the hair follicle, either limited to patchy hair loss over the scalp (Focalis, AF), total loss of scalp hair (Totalis, AT), or total loss of both scalp and body hair (Universalis, AU). Despite multiple treatment modalities, no therapy exists. Vitamin D deficiency in patients with AA/AT/AF influences disease severity and duration, inversely correlating with inflammation histologically.
CASE SUMMARY
Three girls presented with AT (P1), AU (P2), and AF (P3) at the ages of 1, 5, and 5 years, respectively. For P1-P2, all available treatments implemented for 2 years had failed. We started an initial 6-mo repletion with oral cholecalciferol 2000/4000 IU/d, with no apparent effect. Then we attempted immunomodulation using oral calcitriol and its analog paricalcitol. On calcitriol, 0.5 mcg/d P1 regrew hair within 6 mo. After 4 years, a relapse with loss of eyebrow hair was resolved after doubling the calcitriol dose to 0.5 mcg × 2/d; the results have been maintained for 6 years to date. On calcitriol, 0.25 mcg × 3/d P2 led to the development of asymptomatic hypercalcemia-hypercalciuria, which was immediately resolved by switching to paricalcitol 2 mcg × 3/d; mild tolerable hypercalciuria was maintained. Hair regrowth was observed at 6 mo, stabilizing only as fur at 12 mo. AF in P3 was resolved completely within 3 mo on a daily high dose (8000 IU) of cholecalciferol.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D may have immunomodulating therapeutic impact on AT/AU/AF, which needs to be explored with further pilot clinical trials.
PubMed: 34868895
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v10.i6.192 -
ACG Case Reports Journal Nov 2021Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of immune-mediated hair loss and is reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests that there might be a shared...
Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of immune-mediated hair loss and is reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests that there might be a shared molecular pathway in the pathogenesis of AA and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists are also rarely associated with new-onset AA. We present a patient with Crohn's disease treated with adalimumab who developed AA that rapidly progressed to alopecia totalis and universalis. We describe the use of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor, to not only successfully treat the AA but also maintain her Crohn's disease.
PubMed: 34840997
DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000690 -
JAAD Case Reports Oct 2021
PubMed: 34541272
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.07.015 -
ImmunoTargets and Therapy 2021Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicles. It is characterized by a well-defined non-scarring alopecic patch or patches that may extend to the... (Review)
Review
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicles. It is characterized by a well-defined non-scarring alopecic patch or patches that may extend to the entire scalp or lead to total body hair loss. Due to its unpredictable clinical course, AA causes substantial psychological harm. Despite the high prevalence of this disease and extensive research, its exact pathomechanism is unclear, and current treatments have a high relapse rate that has deemed AA incurable. Over the past few decades, researchers have investigated multiple potential factors that may help alleviate its pathogenesis and provide effective treatment. Given its complex immunopathogenesis, AA is considered an autoimmune disease with multiple factors. This review gathers current evidence that emphasizes molecular mechanisms, possible causative etiologies, and targeted immunotherapies for AA. Understanding its underlying mechanisms may shed light on new strategies to effectively manage AA in the future.
PubMed: 34350136
DOI: 10.2147/ITT.S266409 -
Ochsner Journal 2021Both psychiatric disorders and diverse medications used to treat them have been associated with alopecia. The objective of our study was to investigate the existence of...
Both psychiatric disorders and diverse medications used to treat them have been associated with alopecia. The objective of our study was to investigate the existence of an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant medication (ASM) and various types of alopecia. We conducted a retrospective case-control medical record review of patients between the ages of 6 and 18 years seen in dermatology clinics during a 10-year period. Cases included patients diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA), alopecia totalis (AT), or alopecia universalis (AU). We matched 3 controls on age and sex to each case. We reviewed patients' medical records for the following medications: lisdexamfetamine, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, and methylphenidate. We examined the association between medications used to treat ADHD and diagnoses of AA, AT, and/or AU by calculating a series of odds ratios and 95% CIs. We identified 124 cases (110 with AA, 11 with AT, and 3 with AU) and 372 controls. We found a strong association between AU and ASM use (<0.0071). No relationship between ASM use and other types of hair loss was found. Although the sample size of cases with AU was small, we found a significant association between AU and ASM. While further study is needed, practitioners may consider close monitoring of patients with AA who use ASM for the development of worsening disease and discontinue the medication if the patient experiences an increase in hair loss that appears to be progressing to AU.
PubMed: 34239372
DOI: 10.31486/toj.20.0025 -
Cureus Apr 2021Objectives Alopecia areata (AA) is a common immune-mediated hair disorder that presents in different clinical patterns. This study aims to find the association between...
Objectives Alopecia areata (AA) is a common immune-mediated hair disorder that presents in different clinical patterns. This study aims to find the association between vitamin D and zinc levels with AA phenotypes, to determine the common comorbidities in AA patients, and to assess the influence of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on AA phenotypes. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through retrospective chart review of the electronic medical record system (BestCare) and by utilizing a structured data collection sheet. Results A total of 177 patients were clinically diagnosed with AA with a mean age of 28.37 ± 12.68 years. The mean vitamin D level was 49.14 ± 29.09 nmol/L. Zinc levels were reported in only 22 patients, among which, only one patient had deficient levels. The mean zinc level was 9.8 ± 1.5 µmol/L. Patchy alopecia areata (60.45%) was the most common phenotype followed by universalis (9%) and totalis (7%). Hypothyroidism (11.8%) was the most prevalent comorbidity followed by atopic diseases (10.7%), then both diabetes and mood disorders (6.2%). Conclusion Deficient serum vitamin D levels were present in 62.7% of patients with AA. Nevertheless, no statistically significant relation was detected between vitamin D status and patterns of alopecia areata (P=0.108). A limited number of our sample had records of zinc levels with a mean serum of 9.8 ± 1.5 µmol/L and only one patient was found to be deficient.
PubMed: 34079683
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14738