title: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the efficacy of a 24-week topical treatment by latanoprost 0.1% on hair growth and pigmentation in healthy volunteers with androgenetic alopecia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used to treat glaucoma. It can cause adverse effects, such as iridial and periocular hyperpigmentation, and eyelash changes including pigmentation and increased thickness, length, and number. Latanoprost has been used to treat eyelash alopecia, but knowledge on its effects on human scalp hair growth is not available.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary objectives were to assess the efficacy of latanoprost on hair growth and pigmentation. The secondary objectives were to assess the effect on scalp pigmentation; investigate the treatment duration needed to affect hair growth, hair pigmentation, and scalp pigmentation; and assess safety of latanoprost.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen men with mild androgenetic alopecia (Hamilton II-III) were included. Latanoprost 0.1% and placebo were applied daily for 24 weeks on two minizones on the scalp. Measurements on hair growth, density, diameter, pigmentation, and anagen/telogen ratio were performed throughout the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 24 weeks, an increased hair density on the latanoprost-treated site was observed compared with baseline (n = 16, P < .001) and placebo-treated site (P = .0004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only young men with mild androgenetic alopecia were included. The results may not be applicable to other patient groups. Choice of investigational site may have affected the results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Latanoprost significantly increased hair density (terminal and vellus hairs) at 24 weeks compared with baseline and the placebo-treated area. Latanoprost could be useful in stimulating hair follicle activity and treating hair loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. ulrike.blume-peytavi@charite.de
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Blume-Peytavi
authors.forename: Sanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lönnfors
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hillmann
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Garcia Bartels
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008297:Male; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost