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.