Comparative Study between The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Immune Therapy with Diphenylcyclopropenone versus Anthralin in The Treatment of Resistant Alopecia Areata

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata [AA] is a frequent, inflamed, non-scarring kind. No age or sex is immune. The clinical presentation is variable, and different treatment options are available.
Aim of the work: Comparing efficiency and safety of topical immune therapy by diphenylcyclopropenone [DPCP] to topical anthralin ointment for resistant AA.
Patients and Methods: This was cross-sectional research. It was performed at the outpatient clinic of the dermatology department, Al-Azhar University [Damietta]. It included 30 subjects, divided into two equal groups. Group-A treated with topical DPCP solution and group B treated with topical anthralin ointment for six months. All patients were assessed by clinical evaluation and dermoscopy. In addition, photographs of the lesions were obtained before and at the end of the treatment. The primary outcome was the success rate [hair regrowth], while secondary outcome included relapse and side effects.
Results: There was a statistically significant increased hair re-growth score in patients who received DPCP than those who received Anthralin therapy. The very good response was achieved among 60% of DPCP compared to 20% in anthralin group. In addition, the absent response was 6.1% in DPCP compared to 26.7% n anthralin group. The treatment relapse was registered for one patient in DPCP compared to none in anthralin group with no significant differences. Also, no significant differences were registered for the side effects of treatment.
Conclusion:  DPCP is superior than anthralin in treatment of resistant AA. Both drugs had comparable safety profile. 

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