Effect of IVIG on the hair regrowth in a common variable immune deficiency patient with alopecia universalis.
Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Alopecia universalis (AU), believed to have an autoimmune basis, has been found in 1.6% of patients with CVID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is used in various immunodeficiency disorders including CVID, and benefit has been shown in the therapy of autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with CVID and AU treated with IVIG who experienced significant hair regrowth. An 8-year-old girl with CVID and AU was treated with IVIG 400 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Since her second dose of IVIG, regrowth of eyelashes, eyebrows, body and scalp hair was observed in this patient. At present, about 1 year treat-meant of IVIG, significant hair regrowth is noted with 5-6 cm of scalp hair. We believe that IVIG may be beneficial in the treatment of AU, at least in patients with CVID.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, USA.
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Boonyaleepun
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Boonyaleepun
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Schlactus
D000505:Alopecia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D017074:Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous