Methotrexate for the Treatment of Pediatric Alopecia Areata

June 2017 in “ Journal of dermatological treatment ”

Erin Landis, Rita Pichardo‐Geisinger

methotrexate alopecia areata hair regrowth

Studysummary This case series observed that 57% of pediatric patients with alopecia areata experienced significant hair regrowth with methotrexate treatment, which was generally safe, although some results were inconclusive due to follow-up issues.

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This study reviewed the efficacy of methotrexate in treating pediatric alopecia areata through a retrospective chart review from 2011 to 2016. Out of 14 subjects, 57% experienced good hair regrowth with methotrexate, while 21% had an unassessable response due to loss to follow-up or premature discontinuation. No subjects discontinued due to methotrexate side effects. The findings suggested that methotrexate was generally safe and often effective for pediatric alopecia areata.

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Research cited in this study

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

28 citations , January 2016 in “Dermatology”

This study observed that methotrexate combined with low- to moderate-dose oral corticosteroids may effectively treat severe alopecia areata, though long-term maintenance is often necessary due to relapse after tapering.

research Alopecia: Children Are Not Just Little People

8 citations , September 2015 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This article discusses how the diagnosis and management of alopecia differ significantly between adults and children, emphasizing age-specific approaches but reports no new clinical findings.

research The Autoimmune Basis of Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review

162 citations , October 2014 in “Autoimmunity reviews”

This review discusses alopecia areata, highlighting its autoimmune aspects, environmental triggers, and current treatment options, but reports no new clinical results; recent studies suggest JAK pathway intervention may offer therapeutic potential.

research Efficacy and Safety of Methotrexate in Alopecia Areata

44 citations , August 2014 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This study found that methotrexate may be an effective and safe treatment option for severe alopecia areata, with better regrowth results when combined with corticosteroids.

research Overview of Alopecia Areata

110 citations , December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

This article reviews current understanding of alopecia areata, its genetic and immune factors, and discusses ongoing research and treatment development, without presenting new experimental results.

research Interest of High-Dose Pulse Corticosteroid Therapy Combined with Methotrexate for Severe Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Case Series

39 citations , January 2012 in “Dermatology”

In this study, the combination of pulse intravenous corticosteroids and methotrexate was associated with positive hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata patients, with half achieving total regrowth.

research Efficacy and Tolerability of Methotrexate in Severe Childhood Alopecia Areata

70 citations , April 2011 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This retrospective study found that methotrexate had variable efficacy in treating severe alopecia areata in children, with successful hair regrowth observed in five out of thirteen assessable cases.