Alopecia Areata After Denosumab Treatment for Osteoporosis

A 69-year-old man developed extensive alopecia areata (AA) after receiving denosumab for osteoporosis. Despite no personal or family history of AA, the patient experienced rapid hair loss two weeks post-treatment, progressing to alopecia universalis within two months. The case suggested a potential link between denosumab and AA, possibly due to autoimmune reactions or impacts on hair follicle cycling. Treatment with topical betamethasone and minoxidil resulted in minimal hair regrowth after 10 months. This case highlighted the need for awareness of autoimmune side effects in patients treated with biologic medications like denosumab.