Weekly Azathioprine Pulse Versus Betamethasone Oral Mini-Pulse in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata

The study compared weekly azathioprine pulse (WAP) therapy and betamethasone oral mini-pulse therapy in treating moderate-to-severe alopecia areata in 60 patients. Both treatments were effective, but the azathioprine group showed a slightly higher improvement rate and fewer side effects. At 9 months, 50% of patients in the WAP group and 62% in the betamethasone group achieved complete hair regrowth. Betamethasone caused more side effects, including facial puffiness, weight gain, and steroid acne. The study concluded that WAP could be a better alternative due to its lower side effect profile, though further research was recommended.