Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil for lichen planopilaris.
BACKGROUND
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes permanent scalp hair loss and significant patient discomfort.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for treatment of LPP in patients who had failed prior topical, intralesional, or oral anti-inflammatory medications such as hydroxychloroquine or cyclosporine.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 16 adult patients with LPP treated with at least 6 months of MMF in an open-label, single-center study from 2003 to 2007. Subjective and objective end points were quantified using the LPP Activity Index (LPPAI) and scores before and after treatment were assessed using a paired t test. Adverse events were monitored.


RESULTS
Patients who completed treatment with MMF had significantly decreased signs and symptoms of active LPP despite having failed multiple prior therapies (P < .005). Five of 12 patients were complete responders (LPPAI score decreased>85%), 5 of 12 patients were partial responders (LPPAI score decreased 25%-85%), and two of 12 patients were treatment failures (LPPAI score decreased<25%). Four patients withdrew from the trial because of adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrospective analysis and small sample size were limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
MMF was effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of active LPP in 83% of patients (10 of 12) who had failed multiple prior treatments after at least 6 months of treatment.
Cho
Bryan K
BK
Department of Dermatology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mountain View, California, USA.
Sah
Deborah
D
Chwalek
Jennifer
J
Roseborough
Ingrid
I
Ochoa
Blanca
B
Chiang
Charles
C
Price
Vera H
VH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid