A randomized trial of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) combined with anthralin versus DPCP alone for treating moderate to severe alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder. Finding the best treatment regimen for it remains a challenge. Currently, one of the best documented treatment modalities for AA is topical immunotherapy.

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined DPCP and anthralin versus standard protocol (DPCP alone).

METHODS

A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with Alopecia areata who received DPCP alone (group D) or in combination with anthralin (group D/A). Percentage of hair regrowth after 6 months of treatment and the incidence of drug-related adverse effects were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Complete hair regrowth was observed among three patients in each group (18.75% in Group D and 15.79% in Group D/A) after 6 months. Moreover, 25% and 31% of patients in group D and 21% and 47% of patients in group D/A had > 75% and > 50% hair regrowth respectively at the end of the study (P-value: 0.696). In addition, earlier age of onset, chronicity of lesions, nail involvement, facial hair loss and extensive lesions at baseline were associated with poor clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

DPCP and anthralin was as effective as DPCP alone and anthralin did not add to the effect of DPCP in treating AA.