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
June 2024
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Dupilumab can both trigger and treat alopecia areata, often leading to hair regrowth.
The article explores the relationship between dupilumab, a medication for atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata (AA). It presents a case series of 5 patients who developed AA during dupilumab treatment, with a mean age of 25.8 years and an average onset time of 15.5 weeks. While one patient discontinued the drug, others experienced hair regrowth while continuing treatment. A literature review identified 20 adult cases of AA after starting dupilumab, with 13 showing hair regrowth. The study suggests a complex interaction where dupilumab may both trigger and treat AA, with most patients experiencing regrowth despite continued use. The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the paradoxical effects of dupilumab on AA.
