Recalcitrant Widespread Alopecia Areata in a Child Treated Successfully with Oral Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy

July 2013 in “ Our Dermatology Online ”

Neerja Puri

alopecia areata methylprednisolone pulse therapy tacrolimus corticosteroids hair loss steroid treatment

Studysummary In this case study, an 11-year-old boy with extensive alopecia areata showed 80% hair regrowth after six months of treatment with methylprednisolone despite initial lack of response to topical therapies.

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An 11-year-old male with widespread alopecia areata, covering over 40% of his scalp, did not respond to topical tacrolimus and corticosteroids. He was then treated with oral methylprednisolone pulse therapy (500 mg/day for three consecutive days each month). After six months, the patient experienced 80% hair regrowth in the affected area.

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Research cited in this study

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research A Comparison of the Efficacy, Relapse Rate, and Side Effects Among Three Modalities of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia Areata

97 citations , January 2006 in “Dermatology”

This study found that intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide or pulse therapy effectively treats alopecia areata with manageable side effects, but further strategies are needed to reduce relapse rates.

research Alefacept for Alopecia Areata

33 citations , December 2005 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study presents case reports of four patients with alopecia areata or alopecia universalis, highlighting varied responses to treatments like prednisone, intralesional triamcinolone, and squaric acid dibutyl ester.

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations , October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

These guidelines for alopecia areata management, prepared by the British Association of Dermatologists, provide evidence-based treatment recommendations and insights into the condition's epidemiology, diagnosis, and investigation.

research Pulsed Administration of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

117 citations , February 1996 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that monthly oral prednisolone pulses of 300 mg were effective and safe for treating widespread alopecia areata, with 58.3% of patients achieving cosmetically acceptable hair growth.