Three Cases of Alopecia Following Clinical Islet Transplantation
December 2010
in “
American journal of transplantation
”
Studysummary This study describes three female islet transplant recipients who unexpectedly developed alopecia areata about 7 years post-transplant, with a possible link to immunosuppressive treatment regimens.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document described three cases of alopecia in female patients following clinical islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes, potentially linked to tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. Alopecia developed approximately 7 years post-transplant, with two patients also receiving thymoglobulin. The incidence of alopecia post-transplant was estimated at <2.5% over 5 years, higher than the <1% prevalence in pre-transplant candidates. Despite the small sample size, the study suggested a potential link between immunosuppressive therapy and alopecia, highlighting the need for further research and discussion of this risk with transplant candidates.
