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JAMA Network Open Jun 2023Alopecia areata (AA) is a common chronic tissue-specific autoimmune disease. Several studies have reported outcomes of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for treating AA, but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common chronic tissue-specific autoimmune disease. Several studies have reported outcomes of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for treating AA, but limited evidence has emerged.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety associated with JAK inhibitors for AA.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception until August 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. Pairs of reviewers independently and in duplicate selected the studies.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects models were used for meta-analysis. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. This study is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes of interest were (1) proportion of patients who achieved 30%, 50%, and 90% improvement in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score from baseline, (2) change from baseline SALT score, and (3) treatment-related adverse event (AE).
RESULTS
Seven RCTs with 1710 patients (1083 females [63.3%]; mean [SD] age range, 36.3 [10.4] to 69.7 [16.2] years) were eligible and included in the study. JAK inhibitors were associated with more patients achieving 50% improvement (odds ratio [OR], 5.28 [95% CI, 1.69-16.46]; GRADE assessment: low certainty) and 90% improvement (OR, 8.15 [95% CI, 4.42-15.03]; GRADE assessment: low certainty) in SALT score from baseline compared with placebo. JAK inhibitors were associated with more lowered SALT scores from the baseline compared with placebo (mean difference [MD], -34.52 [95% CI, -37.80 to -31.24]; GRADE assessment: moderate certainty), and JAK inhibitors were not associated with more treatment-related AEs (relative risk [RR], 1.25 [95% CI, 1.00-1.57]; GRADE assessment: high certainty) compared with placebo. High certainty of evidence showed that JAK inhibitors may not be associated with more severe AEs compared with placebo (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.41-1.43). The subgroup analysis showed that oral JAK inhibitors were more efficient than placebo (change from baseline SALT scores: MD, -36.80; 95% CI, -39.57 to -34.02), and no difference was found between external JAK inhibitors and placebo (change from baseline SALT scores: MD, -0.40; 95% CI, -11.30 to 10.50).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that JAK inhibitors, compared with placebo, were associated with hair regrowth and that the outcome of oral JAK inhibitors was better than the external route of administration. Although the safety and tolerability of JAK inhibitors were acceptable, longer RCTs are needed to further assess the effectiveness and safety of these treatments for AA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Alopecia Areata; Chronic Disease; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 37368402
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.20351 -
Dermatology and Therapy Feb 2020An increased incidence of tinea capitis has been observed over the last few decades. Trichoscopy is a non-invasive, in-office method helpful in establishing the correct... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
An increased incidence of tinea capitis has been observed over the last few decades. Trichoscopy is a non-invasive, in-office method helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis in patients with hair loss and inflammatory hair disorders. The objective was to review and analyze current data on the trichoscopy of tinea capitis.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, EBSCO and Scopus databases. The search terms included 'tinea capitis' combined with 'trichoscopy', 'dermatoscopy', 'dermoscopy', 'videodermatoscopy' or 'videodermoscopy'.
RESULTS
Of 326 articles, 37 were considered eligible for the quantitative analysis. The most characteristic (with a high predictive value) trichoscopic findings of tinea capitis included comma hairs (51%), corkscrew hairs (32%), Morse code-like hairs (22%), zigzag hairs (21%), bent hairs (27%), block hairs (10%) and i-hairs (10%). Other common, but not characteristic, trichoscopic features were broken hairs (57%), black dots (34%), perifollicular scaling (59%) and diffuse scaling (89%). Morse code-like hairs, zigzag hairs, bent hairs and diffuse scaling were only observed in Microsporum tinea capitis (8/29, 28%; 6/29, 21%; 4/29, 14% and 4/29, 14%, respectively). In Trichophyton tinea capitis, corkscrew hairs were more commonly detected compared to Microsporum tinea capitis (21/38, 55% vs 3/29, 10%).
CONCLUSION
The presence of characteristic trichoscopic features of tinea capitis is sufficient to establish the initial diagnosis and introduce treatment before culture results are available. Trichoscopy may be useful in distinguishing between Microsporum and Trichophyton tinea capitis.
PubMed: 31907867
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-019-00350-1 -
Cells Mar 2023Androgenetic alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss in both men and women. This can have a significant impact on a person's psychological well-being, which... (Review)
Review
Androgenetic alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss in both men and women. This can have a significant impact on a person's psychological well-being, which can lead to a decreased quality of life. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of using stem cells in androgenic alopecia. The search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The review was performed on data pertaining to the efficacy of using different types of stem cells in androgenic alopecia: quantitative results of stem cell usage were compared to the control treatment or, different types of treatment for female and male androgenetic alopecia. Of the outcomes, the density of hair was analyzed. Fourteen articles were selected for this review. During and after treatment with stem cells, no major side effects were reported by patients with alopecia. The use of stem cells in androgenic alopecia seems to be a promising alternative to the standard treatment or it could play the role of complementary therapy to improve the effect of primary treatment. However, these results should be interpreted with caution until they can be reproduced in larger and more representative samples.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Quality of Life; Alopecia; Hair; Stem Cells
PubMed: 36980291
DOI: 10.3390/cells12060951 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jul 2021Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated disease resulting in nonscarring hair loss. Systematic reviews on the psychosocial and psychiatric comorbidities,...
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated disease resulting in nonscarring hair loss. Systematic reviews on the psychosocial and psychiatric comorbidities, health-related quality of life, and interventions targeting psychosocial well-being are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of the psychosocial comorbidities, health-related quality of life, and treatment options targeting psychosocial well-being in adult and pediatric AA patients.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines within the PubMed database. Specific search terms included, but were not limited to, alopecia areata, psychosocial, psychiatry, and quality of life. Studies were then evaluated for their design and categorized into corresponding levels of evidence according to the guidelines adapted from the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine.
FINDINGS
Seventy-three reports met inclusion criteria, involving approximately 414,319 unique participants. AA patients were found to have psychiatric comorbidities, particularly anxiety and depression. Health-related quality of life is reduced in AA patients, but data on pediatric AA quality of life are limited. Psychotherapy is often recommended as adjuvant treatment.
CONCLUSION
AA has substantial psychosocial impact on patients and results in reduced health-related quality of life. Addressing this should be an active part of treatment.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Anxiety; Child; Child Behavior Disorders; Comorbidity; Depression; Humans; Mental Disorders; Quality of Life; Suicide
PubMed: 32561373
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.047 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2015Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of non-scarring alopecia affecting scalp and body hair that can be psychologically devastating.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of non-scarring alopecia affecting scalp and body hair that can be psychologically devastating. AA is clinically heterogenous, and its natural history is unpredictable. There is no preventative therapy or cure.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to provide an evidence-based systematic review on the epidemiology and the burden of AA.
METHODS AND SELECTION CRITERIA
A search was conducted of the published, peer-reviewed literature via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies published in English within the last 51 years that measured AA's incidence, prevalence, distribution, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), quality of life, and associated psychiatric and medical comorbidities were included. Two authors assessed studies and extracted the data.
RESULTS
The lifetime incidence of AA is approximately 2% worldwide. Both formal population studies found no sex predominance. First onset is most common in the third and fourth decades of life but may occur at any age. An earlier age of first onset corresponds with an increased lifetime risk of extensive disease. Global DALYs for AA were calculated at 1,332,800 in 2010. AA patients are at risk for depression and anxiety, atopy, vitiligo, thyroid disease, and other autoimmune conditions.
CONCLUSION
AA is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder and the second most prevalent hair loss disorder after androgenetic alopecia, and the lifetime risk in the global population is approximately 2%. AA is associated with psychiatric and medical comorbidities including depression, anxiety, and several autoimmune disorders, and an increased global burden of disease.
PubMed: 26244028
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S53985 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2023Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has negative impacts on both men and women in terms of appearance and mental stress. Spironolactone is a synthetic aldosterone receptor... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has negative impacts on both men and women in terms of appearance and mental stress. Spironolactone is a synthetic aldosterone receptor antagonist known to stimulate hair growth and has been widely used by dermatologists to treat AGA.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of topical and oral spironolactone in AGA treatment.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science until October 23rd, 2022, for human studies evaluating the efficacy of spironolactone for the treatment of AGA, regardless of doses and routes.
RESULTS
We retrieved 784 papers and ultimately 7 articles matched our inclusion criteria and comprised 618 AGA patients (65 men, 553 women), 414 of them received spironolactone treatment. Oral spironolactone doses ranged from 25mg to 200mg daily, with the vast majority between 80mg and 110 mg. Dosage forms for topical spironolactone use include gels of 1% and solutions of 5% twice daily. Both oral and topical spironolactone have been shown efficacy for alopecia recovery, but topical use has significantly fewer side effects and is suitable for any gender. It showed better efficacy in combination with other therapies such as oral or topical minoxidil compared with monotherapy.
CONCLUSION
Spironolactone is an effective and safe treatment of androgenic alopecia which can enhance the efficacy when combined with other conventional treatments such as minoxidil. Topical spironolactone is safer than oral administration and is suitable for both male and female patients, and is expected to become a common drug for those who do not have a good response to minoxidil. Furthermore, more high-quality clinical randomized controlled studies should be performed.
PubMed: 36923692
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S398950 -
Skin Appendage Disorders Mar 2022In this systematic review, we summarize the efficacy and safety of intradermal and intramuscular botulinum toxin injections for androgenic alopecia (AGA). Using PubMed,...
In this systematic review, we summarize the efficacy and safety of intradermal and intramuscular botulinum toxin injections for androgenic alopecia (AGA). Using PubMed, we conducted a literature search up to February 2021 using the following keyword combinations: "botulinum toxin" or "botox" and "androgenetic alopecia," "hair loss," or "alopecia." Five clinical studies met our inclusion criteria: 4 prospective cohorts and 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT). Study durations ranged from 24 to 60 weeks. No studies included control groups or compared botulinum toxin injections against approved treatments. A total of 165 participants were identified - all of whom were males with AGA. Of the 4 studies measuring response rates (i.e., subjects with >0% hair changes), response rates ranged from 75 to 79.1%. Within studies measuring hair count changes from intramuscular injections, changes ranged from 18 to 20.9%. No serious adverse events were reported. Studies on botulinum toxin injections have produced favorable outcomes for AGA subjects. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of control groups, small numbers of participants, and relatively low Jadad quality scores. Large RCTs are recommended to confirm efficacy and safety, explore the effects of botulinum toxin on females with pattern hair loss, and establish best practices for intradermal and intramuscular injection methodologies.
PubMed: 35415183
DOI: 10.1159/000518574 -
Blood Transfusion = Trasfusione Del... Jan 2023The number of articles evaluating the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) has increased exponentially during... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The number of articles evaluating the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) has increased exponentially during the last years. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating the benefit of PRP in the treatment of alopecia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We searched MEDLINE (through PUBMED), Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant data. Treatment effect was described by mean difference (MD) and risk difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of the body of evidence.
RESULTS
We found 27 controlled trials (1,117 subjects) that met our inclusion criteria: 18 trials (713 subjects) in patients with AGA, and 9 (404 subjects) in patients with AA. Eleven studies had a split head design. There was heterogeneity in types of PRP (e.g., activated and non-activated) and administration schedules. PRP was compared to saline injections (18 studies), local steroid injections (4 studies) and other comparators (5 studies). Most commonly reported outcomes were hair density and hair regrowth. It was not possible to pool all outcome data because of heterogeneity in reporting, and because reporting was often limited to a single study. Compared to saline injections, PRP injections increased hair density over a medium-term follow-up (MD, 25.6 hairs/cm; 95 % CI: 2.62-48.57), but the evidence was rated as low quality due to inconsistency and risk of bias. In individuals with AA, it is unclear whether PRP injection compared with triamcinolone injection increase the rate of subjects with hair regrowth (very-low quality of evidence due to inconsistency, imprecision, and risk of bias). There were no serious adverse events related to PRP injection or control treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence showing benefit of PRP for treatment of alopecia, and most of this evidence is of low quality.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Clinical Protocols; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34967722
DOI: 10.2450/2021.0216-21 -
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic... Aug 2020Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), a scarring alopecia that commonly affects women of African descent, can be challenging to manage, and there are limited... (Review)
Review
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), a scarring alopecia that commonly affects women of African descent, can be challenging to manage, and there are limited treatment modalities available. The use of natural ingredients for nonscarring hair loss has gained popularity among patients, but has not been previously studied for CCCA. We sought to review clinical studies evaluating the use of natural ingredients in the treatment of CCCA. Systematic searches of the PubMed and SCOPUS databases were performed in March 2018 using various ingredient names and the terms , and . Specific ingredients included azelaic acid, peppermint oil, pumpkin seed oil, garlic supplements/shampoo, Black castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, olive oil, horsetail plant oil, lavender oil, coconut oil, chamomile oil, thyme oil, tea tree oil, sulfur oil, menthol, and rosemary oil. Two reviewers independently screened titles, leading to the selection of eight clinical studies. A review of the literature revealed no clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of CCCA with natural ingredients. Despite limited evidence-based research for CCCA, several natural ingredients showed efficacy in alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and psoriatic alopecia. Upon review of the literature, there were no randomized, controlled studies evaluating the use of natural ingredients or aromatherapy in the management of CCCA. Despite this, several botanical and natural ingredients do show promise in treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. More clinical studies need to be performed to evaluate treatment options as a whole, including natural modalities, to better serve these patients.
PubMed: 33178378
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic... Jan 2021Microneedling is a relatively safe therapeutic procedure used to treat many dermatological conditions, including acne vulgaris, alopecia, melasma and other pigmentary... (Review)
Review
Microneedling is a relatively safe therapeutic procedure used to treat many dermatological conditions, including acne vulgaris, alopecia, melasma and other pigmentary disorders, as well as to promote skin rejuvenation, rhytide reduction, and scar remodeling. Given its popularity among patients and increasing use in the clinic and at home, we aim to explain the adverse effects associated with microneedling procedures. We reviewed the current literature describing microneedling and the complications that may accompany this therapeutic procedure. PubMed was searched to identify studies that involved microneedling procedures using the standard roller microneedling, stamp microneedling, pen-type microneedling, and/or fractional radiofrequency microneedling devices. The resulting publications included clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case reports, which were then thoroughly reviewed for description of potential or observed complications that arose secondary to the microneedling procedure. In this systematic review, a total of 51 articles were reviewed, which included 1,029 patients who received microneedling procedures for a variety of different skin conditions. Overall, this review found that microneedling, regardless of the specific device used, is a relatively safe procedure with minimal adverse effects, including, but not limited to, expected erythema, pain, edema, and temporary skin irritation. Microneedling has become an attractive treatment option for many patients with dermatological conditions. We advise that clinicians and patients be informed about the adverse side effects associated with microneedling so that the risk of preventable complications can be reduced or avoided.
PubMed: 33584968
DOI: No ID Found