title: Comparison of systemic mycophenolate mofetil with topical clobetasol in lichen planopilaris: a parallel-group, assessor- and analyst-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is the most common cause of inflammatory immune-mediated cicatricial alopecia. If not diagnosed and treated properly, it may lead to irreversible hair loss with a devastating impact on quality of life. However, treatment can be a challenge. In an area lacking these sorts of studies, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to study the tolerability and therapeutic effects of topical clobetasol versus systemic mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, assessor- and analyst-blinded controlled trial was conducted in 60 patients with LPP in Razi Dermatology Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between February and December 2013. Patients were treated with clobetasol lotion 0.05 % applied at night or oral MMF 2 g/day and were followed for 6 months. The Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI) was the primary measure of response to treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Systemic MMF and topical clobetasol were equally effective in reducing the LPPAI over 6 months of treatment. Treatment tolerability was excellent in both groups and no serious irreversible adverse effects were detected. Satisfaction with treatment rose in the MMF group over time; however, it declined in the clobetasol group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the similar efficacy profiles, topical clobetasol seems to be a more suitable and reasonable choice for treatment of LPP than MMF.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
authors: Vahide
authors: V
authors: Lajevardi
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
authors: Seyedeh Zahra
authors: SZ
authors: Ghodsi
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran. azadeh_goodarzi1984@yahoo.com.
authors: Azadeh
authors: A
authors: Goodarzi
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
authors: Pardis
authors: P
authors: Hejazi
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
authors: Arghavan
authors: A
authors: Azizpour
authors: Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.|National Elite Foundation, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Beygi
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D002990:Clobetasol; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid