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Starace M, Cedirian S, Rapparini L, Quadrelli F, Pampaloni F, Bruni F, Piraccini BM. Enhanced Insights into Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Advancements in Pathogenesis Understanding and Management Strategies. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024; 14:1457-1477. [PMID: 38822213 PMCID: PMC11169308 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) represents a distinctive form of primary lymphocytic scarring alopecia characterized by fronto-temporal hair recession and eyebrow hair loss. While predominantly affecting postmenopausal women, FFA also occurs in women of reproductive age and men, with variations observed across different ethnic groups. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors and inflammatory pathways contribute to its pathogenesis, with evolving diagnostic criteria enhancing accuracy. FFA treatment lacks standardization, encompassing topical, systemic and physical therapies, while hair transplantation remains a temporary solution. This article reviews the current understanding of FFA, aiming to provide clinicians with updated insights for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Starace
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephano Cedirian
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luca Rapparini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Quadrelli
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Pampaloni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bruni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bianca M Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Seo HM, Oh SU, Kim S, Park JH, Kim JS. Dutasteride in the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38357767 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with fronto-temporo-parietal hairline recession. Although no proven treatment for FFA exists, dutasteride has been suggested as a potential treatment option. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic response of oral dutasteride in FFA patients. The identification and selection of studies were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis 2020 criteria. To assess the risk of bias for each study, we used the Cochrane's risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed. Estimated proportion of stabilization for eligible studies was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of dutasteride for treating FFA. Among patients who achieved stabilization, subgroup analysis was conducted on those showing improvement. Seven studies including 366 patients who received oral dutasteride were identified. The estimated proportion of patients who experienced stabilization of FFA with oral dutasteride was 0.628 (95% CI: 0.398-0.859). In subgroup analyses of patients who experienced improvement, the estimated proportion of improvement was 0.356 (95% CI: 0.163-0.549). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, oral dutasteride revealed to be a good treatment option for disease stabilization or improvement in patients with FFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Min Seo
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri-Si, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Uk Oh
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri-Si, Korea
| | - Sungyu Kim
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri-Si, Korea
| | - Ji Hun Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri-Si, Korea
| | - Joung Soo Kim
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri-Si, Korea
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Escamilla-Cruz M, Magaña M, Escandón-Perez S, Bello-Chavolla OY. Use of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Dermatology: A Narrative Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023:10.1007/s13555-023-00974-4. [PMID: 37432644 PMCID: PMC10366043 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase selective inhibitors (5ARIs). They were introduced as therapeutic agents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in 1992 and 2002, respectively; finasteride has also been approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia since early 2000. These agents inhibit the conversion of testosterone (T) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), limiting steroidogenesis and playing a crucial role in the physiological function of the neuroendocrine system. Therefore, it has been proposed that blocking androgen synthesis with the use of 5ARIs would be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases related to states of hyperandrogenism. This review describes the dermatological pathologies in which 5ARIs have been used as part of the treatment, evaluation of the efficacy, and knowledge of the safety profile. Specifically, we discuss the application of 5ARIs in androgenetic alopecia, acne, frontal fibrosing alopecia, hirsutism, and the implications of adverse events associated with its use to inform about the applications of 5ARIs in general dermatology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Escamilla-Cruz
- Service of Dermatology, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, S. S. (Ministry of Health), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, CP 06720, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario Magaña
- Service of Dermatology, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, S. S. (Ministry of Health), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, CP 06720, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Omar Yaxmehen Bello-Chavolla
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Anillo Perif. 2767, San Jerónimo Lídice, La Magdalena Contreras, 10200, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Larrondo J, McMichael AJ. Scarring Alopecia. Dermatol Clin 2023; 41:519-537. [PMID: 37236719 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
African hair shaft and pigmented scalp have unique features that challenge diagnosis in scarring alopecia. In addition, Black patients may associate 2 or more types of hair disorders. Therefore, it is imperative to understand their findings thoroughly to establish a good diagnosis. Differential diagnosis on the frontal scalp includes traction alopecia and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Disorders such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, discoid lupus erythematosus, and lichen planopilaris usually affect the middle scalp. Folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, and acne keloidalis nuchae are the main differential diagnosis of the posterior scalp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Larrondo
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA; Department of Dermatology, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Av. Vitacura 5951, Santiago, 7650568, Chile
| | - Amy J McMichael
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA.
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Carreño-Orellana N, Alfaro-Sepúlveda D, Traipe MP, Vial-Letelier V. Estudio de la expresión de receptores de andrógenos, estrógenos y progesterona mediante inmunohistoquímica en pacientes con alopecia frontal fibrosante. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Miao YJ, Jing J, Du XF, Mao MQ, Yang XS, Lv ZF. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: A review of disease pathogenesis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:911944. [PMID: 35957858 PMCID: PMC9357920 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.911944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia that mostly affects postmenopausal women and causes frontotemporal hairline regression and eyebrow loss. Although the incidence of FFA has increased worldwide over the last decade, its etiology and pathology are still unclear. We cover the latest findings on its pathophysiology, including immunomodulation, neurogenic inflammation, and genetic regulation, to provide more alternatives for current clinical treatment. A persistent inflammatory response and immune privilege (IP) collapse develop and lead to epithelial hair follicle stem cells (eHFSCs) destruction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the bulge area, which is the key process in FFA pathogenesis. Eventually, fibrous tissue replaces normal epithelial tissue and fills the entire hair follicle (HF). In addition, some familial reports and genome-wide association studies suggest a genetic susceptibility or epigenetic mechanism for the onset of FFA. The incidence of FFA increases sharply in postmenopausal women, and many FFA patients also suffer from female pattern hair loss in clinical observation, which suggests a potential association between FFA and steroid hormones. Sun exposure and topical allergens may also be triggers of FFA, but this conjecture has not been proven. More evidence and cohort studies are needed to help us understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Miao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jing Jing,
| | - Xu-Feng Du
- Department of Dermatology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mei-Qi Mao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Fa Lv
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhong-Fa Lv,
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Murad A, Wolinska A, Bergfeld WF. Frontal fibrosing alopecia in breast cancer patients on aromatase‐inhibitor: 2 cases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:e470-e472. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aizuri Murad
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology Cleveland Clinic Foundation Ohio USA
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology Our Lady of Lordes Drogheda Ireland
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology UCD School of Medicine Dublin Ireland
| | - Anna Wolinska
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology Our Lady of Lordes Drogheda Ireland
| | - Wilma F. Bergfeld
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology Cleveland Clinic Foundation Ohio USA
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Dubin C, Glickman JW, Del Duca E, Chennareddy S, Han J, Dahabreh D, Estrada YD, Zhang N, Kimmel GW, Singer G, Chowdhury M, Zheng AY, Angelov M, Gay-Mimbrera J, Ruano Ruiz J, Krueger JG, Pavel AB, Guttman-Yassky E. Scalp and serum profiling of frontal fibrosing alopecia reveals scalp immune and fibrosis dysregulation with no systemic involvement. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 86:551-562. [PMID: 34044102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a progressive, scarring alopecia of the frontotemporal scalp that poses a substantial burden on quality of life. Large-scale global profiling of FFA is lacking, preventing the development of effective therapeutics. OBJECTIVE To characterize FFA compared to normal and alopecia areata using broad molecular profiling and to identify biomarkers linked to disease severity. METHODS This cross-sectional study assessed 33,118 genes in scalp using RNA sequencing and 350 proteins in serum using OLINK high-throughput proteomics. Disease biomarkers were also correlated with clinical severity and a fibrosis gene set. RESULTS Genes differentially expressed in lesional FFA included markers related to Th1 (IFNγ/CXCL9/CXCL10), T-cell activation (CD2/CD3/CCL19/ICOS), fibrosis (CXCR3/FGF14/FGF22/VIM/FN1), T-regulatory (FOXP3/TGFB1/TGFB3), and Janus kinase/JAK (JAK3/STAT1/STAT4) (Fold changes [FCH]>1.5, FDR<.05 for all). Only one protein, ADM, was differentially expressed in FFA serum compared to normal (FCH>1.3, FDR<.05). Significant correlations were found between scalp biomarkers (IL-36RN/IL-25) and FFA severity, as well as between JAK/STAT and fibrosis gene-sets (r>.6; P <.05). LIMITATIONS This study was limited by a small sample size and predominantly female FFA patients. CONCLUSION Our data characterize FFA as an inflammatory condition limited to scalp, involving Th1/JAK skewing, with associated fibrosis and elevated T-regulatory markers, suggesting the potential for disease reversibility with JAK/STAT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Dubin
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jacob W Glickman
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ester Del Duca
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Dermatology, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sumanth Chennareddy
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Han
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Dante Dahabreh
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Yeriel D Estrada
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Grace W Kimmel
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Giselle Singer
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Mashkura Chowdhury
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrew Y Zheng
- Macaulay Honors College at City University of New York (CUNY) Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - Michael Angelov
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jesús Gay-Mimbrera
- Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases Research Group, IMIBIC/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan Ruano Ruiz
- Department of Dermatology, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - James G Krueger
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Ana B Pavel
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi.
| | - Emma Guttman-Yassky
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
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Moll I. Frontal fibrosierende Alopezie – Fallbeispiele und Review. AKTUELLE DERMATOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1351-5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie frontal fibrosierende Alopezie (FFA) ist eine vernarbende Alopezie, welche klinisch durch Regression des frontotemporalen Haaransatzes, disseminiert verbleibende Haare (lonely hairs) und Verlust der Brauen gekennzeichnet ist. Meist sind postmenopausale, seltener auch jüngere Frauen betroffen und gelegentlich auch Männer. Der Verlauf ist variabel, oft sehr langsam und unbeachtet. Auch Spontanremissionen sind häufig. Daher lässt sich die Inzidenz nur schätzen, jedoch ist sie wahrscheinlich zunehmend. Es werden dafür Umweltfaktoren, Sonnencremes, aber auch eine optimierte Awareness und Diagnostik diskutiert. Allerdings blieb die Pathogenese der lymphozytären Follikulitis bisher noch ungeklärt. Klinisch ist die Haut im betroffenen bandförmigen Bereich atroph und weißlich. In floriden Bereichen sind follikuläre Erytheme und Keratosen typisch. Nicht selten sind kleine, wenig erythematöse Papeln an Stirn und Wangen assoziiert („facial papules“). Evidenzbasierte Therapien existieren nicht. Lokal werden Steroide, Calcineurin-Inhibitoren oder Minoxidil angewendet, systemisch 5α-Reduktase-Hemmer, Hydroxychloroquin und Doxycyclin.
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Reply to Effectiveness of dutasteride in a large series of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia in real clinical practice. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 85:e93. [PMID: 33812960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Imhof R, Tolkachjov SN. Optimal Management of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Practical Guide. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2020; 13:897-910. [PMID: 33293846 PMCID: PMC7718862 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s235980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia that is often considered a clinical variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) due to their shared histopathologic features. FFA is characterized by the recession of the frontal, temporal, or frontotemporal hairline; the clinical pattern is distinct and usually includes eyebrow hair loss, as well as other associated symptoms. Pruritus, facial papules, eyelash loss, body hair involvement, and trichodynia may also occur in addition to the frontotemporal recession and eyebrow loss classically seen. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical as FFA is a progressive disorder that can result in permanent hair loss. FFA is challenging as patients may not present or be recognized until the disease has progressed. Additionally, there is currently no consensus or standard treatment regimen for FFA. While many different therapies have been reported as beneficial, there are a limited number of published guidelines for the treatment of FFA. This article is a review of the literature on treatment modalities for FFA and the objective is to offer a practical guide for clinicians on the evidence-based management options currently available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reese Imhof
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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12
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Effectiveness of dutasteride in a large series of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia in real clinical practice. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 84:1285-1294. [PMID: 33038469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dutasteride has been proposed as an effective therapy for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). OBJECTIVES We sought to describe the therapeutic response to dutasteride and the most effective dosage in FFA compared with other therapeutic options or no treatment. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study including patients with FFA with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Therapeutic response was evaluated according to the stabilization of the hairline recession. RESULTS A total of 224 patients (222 females) with a median follow-up of 24 months (range 12-108 months) were included. The stabilization rate for the frontal, right, and left temporal regions after 12 months was 62%, 64%, and 62% in the dutasteride group (n = 148), 60%, 35%, and 35% with other systemic therapies (n = 20), and 30%, 41%, and 38% without systemic treatment (n = 56; P = .000, .006, and .006, respectively). Stabilization showed a statistically significant association with an increasing dose of dutasteride (88%, 91%, and 84% with a weekly treatment of 5 or 7 doses of 0.5 mg [n = 32], P < .005). Dutasteride was well tolerated in all patients. LIMITATIONS Limitations included the observational and retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS Oral dutasteride was the most effective therapy with a dose-dependent response for FFA in real clinical practice compared with other systemic therapies or no systemic treatment.
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13
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Murad A, Bergfeld W. Prostaglandin analogue for treatment of eyebrow loss in frontal fibrosing alopecia: three cases with different outcomes. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 35:e138-e140. [PMID: 32780892 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Murad
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - W Bergfeld
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Nasiri S, Dadkhahfar S, Mansouri P, Rahmani-Khah E, Mozafari N. Evaluation of serum level of sex hormones in women with frontal fibrosing alopecia in comparison to healthy controls. Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e13842. [PMID: 32535953 DOI: 10.1111/dth.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is still unknown while hormonal factors have been postulated to play a role. There is scarce evidence with divergent results on the role of sex hormones in FFA. To evaluate the possible association between sex hormone levels and FFA, this study included 30 female cases of FFA and 34 healthy controls. Serum free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, and prolactin levels were measured in all subjects. Median and interquartile ranges of DHEAS and androstenedione were 79.26 (52.91-195.50) and 1.41 (0.90-2.29) in patients and 152.34 (81.72-218.63) and 2.31 (1.54-2.84) in healthy controls, respectively. The serum levels of DHEAS and androstenedione were significantly lower in FFA patients in comparison with healthy controls (P-value = .038 and .012, respectively). There were no significant differences in serum levels of free testosterone, LH, FSH, 17-OH progesterone, and prolactin between the FFA group and the control group The lower serum levels of DHEAS and androstenedione in FFA patients compared to controls is supporting a new growing concept of the low androgen level theory in the pathogenesis FFA, while the exact mechanism, clinical significance, and also the potential therapeutic effects of these hormones in FFA remain to be determined in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Nasiri
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Dadkhahfar
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Mansouri
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Rahmani-Khah
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Mozafari
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Dermatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Today, about 50% of men and 15-30% of women suffer from hair loss as well as the associated psychological impact. Drug therapy, especially through topical administration, is the main treatment strategy for stimulating hair regrowth. However, challenges exist due to the skin barrier that hinders drug penetration. To this end, many efforts have been made to enhance drug penetration efficiency. This review focuses on the advancement of the transdermal drug delivery strategies for hair loss therapy reported in the last five years, especially those via nanoformulations for topical administration and microneedles for transdermal delivery. In addition, physical or chemical penetration enhancers are also introduced, which are often applied with the drug delivery systems to achieve a synergy effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Donghua University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201620, China.,College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, North Ren Min Road No. 2999, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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16
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Anzai A, Wang EHC, Lee EY, Aoki V, Christiano AM. Pathomechanisms of immune-mediated alopecia. Int Immunol 2020; 31:439-447. [PMID: 31050755 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is a complex mini-organ that constantly undergoes dynamic cycles of growth and regression throughout life. While proper progression of the hair cycle requires homeostatic interplay between the HF and its immune microenvironment, specific parts of the HF, such as the bulge throughout the hair cycle and the bulb in the anagen phase, maintain relative immune privilege (IP). When this IP collapses, inflammatory infiltrates that aggregate around the bulge and bulb launch an immune attack on the HF, resulting in hair loss or alopecia. Alopecia areata (AA) and primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) are two common forms of immune-mediated alopecias, and recent advancements in understanding their disease mechanisms have accelerated the discovery of novel treatments for immune-mediated alopecias, specifically AA. In this review, we highlight the pathomechanisms involved in both AA and CA in hopes that a deeper understanding of their underlying disease pathogenesis will encourage the development of more effective treatments that can target distinct disease pathways with greater specificity while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Anzai
- Department of Dermatology, Clinical Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Eddy Hsi Chun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eunice Y Lee
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valeria Aoki
- Department of Dermatology, Clinical Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Angela M Christiano
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Ring J. Progress in Dermatology and Venereology - Editor's pick of the year 2018. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33:7-10. [PMID: 30656764 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Ring
- Department Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technical University, Munich, Germany
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18
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Iorizzo M, Tosti A. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Update on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol 2019; 20:379-390. [PMID: 30659454 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-019-00424-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), first described by Kossard in the early 1990s, is a form of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia characterized by selective involvement of the frontotemporal hairline and eyebrows. Since the original description, an increasing number of cases have been reported worldwide and the clinical aspects of the disease have been better characterized. However, the pathogenesis is still unknown and several hypotheses have been made about possible triggering factors, including hormones, neurogenic inflammation, smoking, UV filters, and ingredients in leave-on facial products. A genetic basis has also been hypothesized as the disease can occur in siblings and members of the same family. Besides its pathogenesis, research is also focused on treatment; FFA is a chronic condition and at present there is no validated or approved treatment for this disorder. Commonly prescribed topical treatments include corticosteroids, minoxidil, and calcineurin inhibitors. Systemic treatments include 5α-reductase inhibitors, hydroxychloroquine, and retinoids. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is also utilized, especially for the eyebrows. Other possible treatments include pioglitazone, naltrexone, tofacitinib, and lasers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Iorizzo
- Private Dermatology Practice, Viale Stazione 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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19
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Gamret AC, Potluri VS, Krishnamurthy K, Fertig RM. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: efficacy of treatment modalities. Int J Womens Health 2019; 11:273-285. [PMID: 31118828 PMCID: PMC6500869 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s177308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary cicatricial alopecia characterized by loss of follicular stem cells, fibrosis, and a receding frontotemporal hairline, with frequent loss of eyebrows, and less commonly, body hair involvement. Diagnosis is clinical and the disease most often affects postmenopausal women. Treatment is difficult with the goal of disease stabilization rather than hair regrowth due to the scarring nature of FFA. To date, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating efficacy of treatments. Therefore, much of our knowledge is based on small retrospective studies. In this review, we highlight the various and most current treatment options for FFA, including 5-α-reductase inhibitors, intralesional steroids, hydroxychloroquine, topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, systemic retinoids, pioglitazone, oral antibiotics, minoxidil, excimer laser, and hair transplantation. Currently, 5-α-reductase inhibitors, intralesional steroids, and hydroxychloroquine have the highest level of evidence for treating FFA, while the remaining therapies have variable results and require further data to draw definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Caresse Gamret
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - V Sumanth Potluri
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Raymond M Fertig
- Department of Graduate Medical Education, Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park, FL, USA
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