Treatment of Widespread Alopecia Areata in Young Patients with Monthly Oral Corticosteroid Pulse

July 1998 in “ Pediatric Dermatology ”

Vinod Sharma, S Muralidhar

alopecia areata oral corticosteroid pulse prednisolone betamethasone sodium phosphate AA corticosteroids

TLDR Monthly oral corticosteroid pulses effectively treat widespread alopecia areata in young patients.

The study involved 16 young patients (up to 18 years old) with widespread alopecia areata (AA), divided into two age groups. Group A (12-18 years) received 300 mg of prednisolone monthly, while Group B (3-11 years) received betamethasone sodium phosphate equivalent to 5 mg/kg prednisolone monthly. Treatment continued for at least three doses or until satisfactory hair growth was achieved. At 6 months, 60% of patients showed excellent hair growth. During follow-up, 4 out of 13 patients experienced localized relapse. Side effects were minimal, with only two patients reporting transient issues. The study recommended pulsed prednisolone as an effective treatment for widespread AA in young patients.

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Research cited in this study

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research Pulsed Administration of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

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

A 300 mg monthly pulse of prednisolone effectively and safely treats widespread alopecia areata.

research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Partialis, Totalis, and Universalis: Audit of 10 Years' Experience at St John's Institute of Dermatology

105 citations, December 1995 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

PUVA treatment is generally ineffective for alopecia areata.

research Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations, November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Steroids help hair regrowth, and minoxidil slows post-steroid hair loss, but effects are temporary.

research Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis

28 citations, October 1978 in “Archives of dermatology”

Corticosteroids may effectively regrow hair in Alopecia Totalis with manageable side effects.

research Large Doses of Glucocorticoid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations, November 1975 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

Large doses of glucocorticoids are not suitable for general use in treating severe alopecia areata due to inconsistent results and risks.

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