BACKGROUND: Topical immunotherapy has been used in the treatment of children with alopecia areata with encouraging results. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the long-term results in 33 children with severe alopecia areata treated with topical immunotherapy. METHODS: From 1983 to 1989 we treated 33 children with topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester. RESULTS: Complete hair regrowth was observed in 10 children (30.3%). During the follow-up period (mean, 5.9 years; range, 4 to 12 years), 7 of these 10 patients had severe relapses that were not responsive to further treatment. Only three clinically benefited from topical immunotherapy. Two maintained complete hair regrowth after treatment was stopped. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that only a small proportion of children with severe alopecia areata will obtain a persistent benefit from topical immunotherapy.
BACKGROUND: Topical immunotherapy has been used in the treatment of children with alopecia areata with encouraging results. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the long-term results in 33 children with severe alopecia areata treated with topical immunotherapy. METHODS: From 1983 to 1989 we treated 33 children with topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester. RESULTS:Complete hair regrowth was observed in 10 children (30.3%). During the follow-up period (mean, 5.9 years; range, 4 to 12 years), 7 of these 10 patients had severe relapses that were not responsive to further treatment. Only three clinically benefited from topical immunotherapy. Two maintained complete hair regrowth after treatment was stopped. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that only a small proportion of children with severe alopecia areata will obtain a persistent benefit from topical immunotherapy.
Authors: C Herbert Pratt; Lloyd E King; Andrew G Messenger; Angela M Christiano; John P Sundberg Journal: Nat Rev Dis Primers Date: 2017-03-16 Impact factor: 52.329