Alopecia Universalis After Discontinuation of Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Hepatitis C: A Case Report

    March 2014 in “ Annals of Hepatology
    N. Gamal, Lucia Brodosi, Cosimo Misciali, Annalisa Patrizi, G. Vukatana, Nazzarena Malavolta, Mauro Bernardi, Pietro Andreone
    Image of study
    TLDR A man lost all his hair after stopping hepatitis C treatment and it didn't grow back.
    In 2014, a 49-year-old male patient developed alopecia universalis, a complete loss of hair on the scalp and body, after stopping a 12-week treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. The hair loss started one month after the end of treatment and progressed to total hair loss within three months. Attempts to treat the condition with topical corticosteroids and heliotherapy were unsuccessful. A scalp biopsy conducted 13 months after treatment cessation showed no terminal hair follicles and a moderate perifollicular lymphocytic infiltration, indicating an irreversible condition. This case underscores the importance of physicians being aware of and communicating the potential for adverse effects, including those that may arise after the discontinuation of interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C. The report also suggests that interferon-free treatments might prevent such autoimmune side effects.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    7 / 7 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Alopecia Areata Question

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

      community No hair, don't care! [24/F] :)

       61 upvotes 9 years ago
      A woman with alopecia universalis shares her positive experience of being bald, finding it freeing and less worrisome. She also discusses her skincare routine using Korean products.

      community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

      community Scalp, eyebrow, eyelash and pubic hair loss.

       6 upvotes 6 years ago
      The user experienced significant hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic area, along with itchy, flaky skin and red patches. They have a history of eczema and dermatitis and suspect that stopping shampoo use and taking Ritalin may have contributed to the issue.

      community Just find a cure already, I am totally done

      in Chat  161 upvotes 7 months ago
      The conversation is about hair loss treatments, with users recommending finasteride and minoxidil as effective solutions. Some users report side effects, but overall, the consensus is to use these treatments rather than waiting for a cure.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results