Efficacy and Safety of Methotrexate Combined with Low- to Moderate-Dose Corticosteroids for Severe Alopecia Areata

January 2016 in “ Dermatology ”

D. Anuset, G. Perceau, Philippe Bernard, Z. Reguiaï

methotrexate corticosteroids alopecia areata hair regrowth MTX OC AA

TLDR Methotrexate with corticosteroids can effectively treat severe alopecia areata but often requires long-term maintenance.

The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) combined with low- to moderate-dose oral corticosteroids (OC) in treating severe alopecia areata (AA) in 26 patients. Total hair regrowth was achieved in 15 patients. Hair regrowth greater than 80% after 3 months was predictive of complete regrowth, while regrowth less than 30% indicated likely treatment failure. Despite initial success, 11 out of 15 patients experienced relapse upon tapering the treatment. The study concluded that MTX combined with OC could be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for severe AA, but long-term maintenance is often necessary.

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