A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of three corticosteroid treatment regimens in patients with alopecia areata. (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suchonwanit, Poonkiat; Kositkuljorn, Chaninan; Mahasaksiri, Tippapai; Leerunyakul, Kanchana
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 33:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 756
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: Hair loss -- intralesional -- patchy -- steroids -- topical -- therapy; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1773384
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Topical corticosteroids (TC) and/or intralesional corticosteroids (IC) are considered first-line treatments for patch-type alopecia areata (AA). However, the efficacies of TC monotherapy, IC monotherapy, and combined topical and intralesional corticosteroids (CC) in patients with AA have never been compared. Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of 3 corticosteroid treatments (TC, IC, and CC) in patients with AA. Methods: A study of patients with AA who received TC, IC, or CC was conducted. Outcomes including initial hair regrowth (25% regrowth), significant hair regrowth (>80% regrowth), and adverse events were statistically compared. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors that influence the treatment response. Results: One hundred and forty-eight patients were eligible for analysis. The response rates of initial and significant hair regrowth were comparable among 3 treatment groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that an AA treatment duration of longer than 6 months was associated with a lower probability of significant hair regrowth. A small proportion of patients experienced adverse effects. Conclusion: The 3 corticosteroid treatment regimens are effective, safe, and show no significant differences in treatment outcomes. However, an AA duration longer than 6 months portends a lack of significant hair regrowth.