title: Pulse of methylprednisolone in alopecia areata.
abstract: In an attempt to stop the evolution of recent-onset severe alopecia areata (AA), we tested pulse corticotherapy on 9 patients. Acceptance into the study was based on the following criteria: recent-onset AA (< 1 year), AA in an active state, bald surface > 30% of the scalp, no contraindication to pulse corticotherapy. Each patient was given 250 mg i.v. of methylprednisolone twice a day on 3 successive days. In 8 patients the course of the ongoing episode of AA was stopped. At the 6-month follow-up, a regrowth on 80-100% of the bald surface was observed in 6 patients. One patient did not respond to treatment, and 2 had less than 50% of regrowth. This open study suggests that pulse corticotherapy: (1) can stop the course of severe AA in an active state, (2) is well tolerated without major side effects and (3) does not permit a stable control of AA of more than 1 year duration. This treatment seems to be indicated for severe AA of recent onset.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perriard-Wolfensberger
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pasche-Koo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mainetti
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Labarthe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salomon
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Saurat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone