TY - JOUR
T1 - Early intervention with high-dose steroid pulse therapy prolongs disease-free interval of severe alopecia areata
T2 - A retrospective study
AU - Yang, Chao Chun
AU - Lee, Chun Te
AU - Hsu, Chao Kai
AU - Lee, Yi Pei
AU - Wong, Tak Wah
AU - Chao, Sheau Chiou
AU - Lee, Julia Yu Yun
AU - Sheu, Hamm Ming
AU - Chen, Wen Chieh
PY - 2013/11
Y1 - 2013/11
N2 - Background: Spontaneous recovery of severe alopecia areata is rare and the condition is difficult to treat. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effects and safety of steroid pulse therapy between oral and intravenous administrations between 1999 and 2010 at the Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Methods: Data were retrospectively retrieved. A satisfactory response was defined as more than 75% hair regrowth in the balding area. Results: A total of 85 patients with more than 50% hair loss were identified and treated, with an overall satisfactory response rate of 51.8%. The mean follow-up time was 37.6 months, with a relapse rate of 22.7%. Patients with alopecia areata (hereafter, AA) of recent onset within one year showed higher response rates (p<0.001) and lower relapse rates compared to patients with AA persisting for more than 1 year. Further, even in patients with alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis or ophiasis type, early treatment resulted in a satisfactory response rate of 47% among the treated patients. In general, oral therapy was as effective and well-tolerated as intravenous therapy. Conclusion: The response rate is determined by disease severity and time of intervention, not by the administration form of steroid pulse therapy. Oral steroid pulse therapy can be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with severe AA of recent onset within one year. (Ann Dermatol 25(4) 471~474, 2013).
AB - Background: Spontaneous recovery of severe alopecia areata is rare and the condition is difficult to treat. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effects and safety of steroid pulse therapy between oral and intravenous administrations between 1999 and 2010 at the Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Methods: Data were retrospectively retrieved. A satisfactory response was defined as more than 75% hair regrowth in the balding area. Results: A total of 85 patients with more than 50% hair loss were identified and treated, with an overall satisfactory response rate of 51.8%. The mean follow-up time was 37.6 months, with a relapse rate of 22.7%. Patients with alopecia areata (hereafter, AA) of recent onset within one year showed higher response rates (p<0.001) and lower relapse rates compared to patients with AA persisting for more than 1 year. Further, even in patients with alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis or ophiasis type, early treatment resulted in a satisfactory response rate of 47% among the treated patients. In general, oral therapy was as effective and well-tolerated as intravenous therapy. Conclusion: The response rate is determined by disease severity and time of intervention, not by the administration form of steroid pulse therapy. Oral steroid pulse therapy can be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with severe AA of recent onset within one year. (Ann Dermatol 25(4) 471~474, 2013).
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U2 - 10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.471
DO - 10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.471
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84892178289
SN - 1013-9087
VL - 25
SP - 471
EP - 474
JO - Annals of Dermatology
JF - Annals of Dermatology
IS - 4
ER -