Telogen Effluvium Due to Recombinant Interferon Alpha-2b
October 2009
in “
Dermatology
”
Studysummary This study observed that long-term recombinant interferon alpha-2b therapy was associated with considerable hair loss in some patients, indicated by a telogen effluvium pattern on trichograms.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In a study from 1992, 5 out of 10 patients aged 41-55 years undergoing long-term treatment with recombinant interferon α-2b (rIFN α-2b) for primary cutaneous melanoma reported significant hair loss, diagnosed as telogen effluvium through a pull test and trichogram. Telogen effluvium is characterized by an increased number of hair follicles entering the telogen, or resting, phase. Despite continuing treatment, 2 patients showed improvement in their telogen count, while the remaining 3 patients did not show improvement until the interferon therapy was discontinued. Pohl-Pinkus hair constrictions were also observed in 2 patients. The study concluded that telogen effluvium can be a side effect of rIFN α-2b therapy, and its onset and severity were not directly related to the dosage of the drug.
