Pericardial, Pleural Effusion and Anasarca: A Rare Complication of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

    August 2022 in “ JAAD case reports ”
    Ncoza C. Dlova, Tarryn Jacobs, S. K. Singh
    Image of study
    TLDR A woman developed swelling in her body after taking low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss, but it resolved after stopping the medication.
    A 40-year-old, healthy, Black, South African woman with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) developed pericardial, pleural effusion, and anasarca 3 weeks after starting low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) therapy. The patient was treated with 5% topical minoxidil, tacrolimus ointment 0.1%, clobetasol propionate ointment, 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily, and 0.25 mg of oral minoxidil daily. After 3 weeks of treatment, the patient noticed swelling in her extremities and face. She was admitted to the hospital for further management. Her laboratory workup was unremarkable, showing normal renal, hepatic, and thyroid function, and normal levels of inflammatory markers. Ultrasound showed fluid collections in the pericardium, pleural space, and abdomen. The patient was treated with 40 mg of intravenous furosemide daily for 4 days, and the edema was alleviated. After cessation of LDOM, the diuretics were discontinued, without any further recurrence of edema. At follow-up 2 weeks later, complete resolution was observed both clinically and using ultrasound. The researchers concluded that LDOM was responsible for her clinical presentation.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution

      in Research/Science  14 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user has been experiencing hair loss for 4 years, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and various supplements proving ineffective. They were diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, a condition that may require a combination of anti-inflammatory and hair growth treatments.

      community Diffuse thinning is so brutal.

      in Styling  72 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 25-year-old with AGA experienced hair thinning and dandruff, stabilized with topical finasteride and minoxidil but saw minimal regrowth. They seek advice on styling and consider oral minoxidil and microneedling for denser hair.

      community Testosterone and hair loss seeming irrelevance

      in Research/Science  81 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about the role of testosterone in hair loss and the effectiveness of different treatments. The conclusion is that DHT is the main culprit for hair loss, and finasteride has been proven to work long-term in maintaining and regrowing hair. Testosterone may have a minor effect, but it is not the primary cause of hair loss.

      community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

      in Chat  10 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

      community Where to Begin with Microneedling?

      in Treatment  17 upvotes 1 year ago
      User is considering microneedling to enhance hair regrowth after limited response to minoxidil and better results with finasteride and ketoconazole shampoo. Recommendations include using a 1.5mm derma roller once a week, avoiding minoxidil on microneedling days, and disinfecting the roller with isopropyl alcohol.

    Related Research

    9 / 9 results