title: Role of topical immunotherapy in the treatment of alopecia areata. Quality analysis of articles published between January 1977 and January 1988 about three treatments. Reading Group.
abstract: We conducted a survey of clinical trials to assess the scientific evidences presented for the practical use of dinitrochlorobenzene, squaric acid dibutylester, and diphencyprone in the treatment of alopecia areata. Twenty-six papers published between January 1977 and January 1988, in English, French, and Italian were selected. We used a standardized protocol of evaluation, which focused principally on the reporting of methods. Twelve papers were uncontrolled studies. Of the controlled studies, 11 had a self-controlled design, two studies involved the use of parallel concurrent controls, and seven were randomized trials. With regard to criteria for entry, follow-up schedules, and criteria for evaluation of response to treatment, the studies were scored generally poorly; therapeutic regimen, patients' characteristics, withdrawals, and description of side effects in these studies were rated more highly. In light of our results, further and better-designed studies are needed for acceptance of dinitrochlorobenzene, squaric acid dibutylester, and diphencyprone in current therapy.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Naldi
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Parazzini
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Cainelli
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000628:therapy*; D003503:Cyclobutanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic
chemical_list: D003503:Cyclobutanes; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; C020637:squaric acid dibutyl ester; C029402:diphenylcyclopropenone