BH02 (P100) Critically appraised topic: is dupilumab a cause or a treatment for alopecia areata? A case series and literature review to guide discussions in clinical practice

The document explores the complex relationship between dupilumab, a treatment for atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata (AA). In a case series of 156 patients treated with dupilumab, 5 developed AA, with a mean onset of 15.5 weeks. Despite this, most patients experienced hair regrowth while continuing dupilumab. A literature review identified 44 cases of AA associated with dupilumab, with 13 of 20 new-onset cases showing hair regrowth during treatment. The study suggests a potential paradoxical effect of dupilumab on AA, with some cases possibly under-reported or mischaracterized. Overall, the findings indicate that while dupilumab may trigger AA in some, it can also lead to hair regrowth, even in treatment-resistant cases.