Monotherapy for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

January 2019 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Aditya K. Gupta, Jessie Carviel, Kelly A. Foley, Neil H. Shear, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Vincent Piguet, Antonella Tosti

alopecia areata intralesional corticosteroids diphenylcyclopropenone topical corticosteroids prostaglandin analogs topical minoxidil laser therapy oral tofacitinib DPCP minoxidil tofacitinib

TLDR Intralesional corticosteroids work best for mild alopecia areata, and DPCP works best for moderate to severe cases.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of various treatments for alopecia areata, finding that intralesional corticosteroids were most effective for mild disease (78.9% response rate), while diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) was most effective for moderate to severe disease (87.9% response rate). Other treatments for mild disease included topical corticosteroids, prostaglandin analogs, and topical minoxidil, whereas for moderate to severe disease, laser therapy, topical minoxidil, and topical corticosteroids were also effective. The study highlighted the need for further controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of oral tofacitinib.

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