Effectiveness of QR678 and QR678 Neo with intralesional corticosteroid vs. intralesional corticosteroid alone in the treatment of alopecia areata -A randomized, comparative, prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory disorder, marked by chronic, persistent, and patchy loss of hair. At present intralesional/topical corticosteroids, Minoxidil solution, and topical immune-therapies are used for treatment. Though all these have side effects and high rate of relapse. As QR678 Neo is proved to be effective in hair regrowth in male and female pattern hair loss, the aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of QR678 Neo with intralesional steroid therapy vs. intralesional steroid alone in the treatment of AA of scalp in men and women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 participants in age group of 20-50 years with nonscarring patchy hair loss were chosen for the study. Patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups (Group A-intralesional steroid with placebo and Group B-intralesional steroid with QR678 Neo ). All the participants were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months with standard global photography, dermoscopic assessment, and self-evaluation questionnaire at the end of study.

RESULT

Marked improvement was seen in the global assessment score after 6 months (mean- 6.6 SALT) as compared to baseline (38.5 SALT score) in group B. There was significant reduction of black dots, yellow dots, broken hairs, and tapered hair at 6 months on video dermoscopic examination in group B. Also, higher satisfaction was experienced with the treatment in group B patients.

CONCLUSION

QR678 Neo in combination with intralesional steroids therapy proved to be significantly beneficial, efficient, and can be considered as safer treatment option for alopecia areata.