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- Title
Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in severe alopecia areata.
- Authors
Senila, Simona C.; Danescu, Sorina A.; Ungureanu, Loredana; Candrea, Elisabeta; Cosgarea, Rodica M.
- Abstract
Background: Severe, extensive, therapy resistant alopecia areata represents a clinical challenge. Systemic corticosteroids are a therapeutic tool that still needs to be evaluated. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone pulse therapy in alopecia areata and to find prognostic factors for a favourable outcome. Methods: A total of 32 patients with severe multifocal alopecia areata (more than 40% scalp hair loss), alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis were treated with infusions of 500 mg methylprednisolone for 3 days every month for 3 consecutive months. The end point of the study was 12 months. Results: Of 32 patients, 26 (81.3%) reported a clinical response. Four patients (12.5%) showed complete hair regrowth, 6 patients (18.8%) showed >50% hair regrowth, ten (31.3%) had <50% hair regrowth, 6 (18.75%) were non responders, and another 6 patients (18.8%) had relapse after an initial regrowth. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients reporting at the first episode and those with multifocal disease had the best results. Conclusion: Methylprednisolone infusions represent a possible therapeutic option for patients with multifocal alopecia areata and those presenting with the first episode of the disease.
- Subjects
ALOPECIA areata; METHYLPREDNISOLONE; ADRENOCORTICAL hormones; HORMONE therapy; ULTRAVIOLET radiation; HAIR growth stimulants; FOLLOW-up studies (Medicine); THERAPEUTICS
- Publication
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, 2015, Vol 81, Issue 1, p94
- ISSN
0378-6323
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4103/0378-6323.148608