Long-term results of topical immunotherapy in children with alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Topical immunotherapy has been used in the treatment of children with alopecia areata with encouraging results.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to determine the long-term results in 33 children with severe alopecia areata treated with topical immunotherapy.

METHODS:

From 1983 to 1989 we treated 33 children with topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester.

RESULTS:

Complete hair regrowth was observed in 10 children (30.3%). During the follow-up period (mean, 5.9 years; range, 4 to 12 years), 7 of these 10 patients had severe relapses that were not responsive to further treatment. Only three clinically benefited from topical immunotherapy. Two maintained complete hair regrowth after treatment was stopped.

CONCLUSION:

Our results indicate that only a small proportion of children with severe alopecia areata will obtain a persistent benefit from topical immunotherapy.

• Authors: A Tosti, M S Guidetti, F Bardazzi, C Misciali
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 35 Issue 2 Pt 1 Pg. 199-201 (Aug 1996) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8708020 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Autoantibodies
• Cyclobutanes
• squaric acid dibutyl ester

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adolescent
• Allergens (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Alopecia Areata (genetics, therapy)
• Autoantibodies (analysis)
• Child
• Cyclobutanes (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hair (drug effects, growth & development)
• Humans
• Immunotherapy
• Male
• Recurrence
• Treatment Outcome