Efficacy and Safety of Methotrexate Combined with Low- to Moderate-Dose Corticosteroids for Severe Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Background: In severe alopecia areata (AA), spontaneous recovery is unlikely, and treatment is not standardized. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) used alone or combined with low- to moderate-dose oral corticosteroids (OC) for treating severe AA (totalis, universalis and severe multifocal). Methods: Retrospective monocentric study of all consecutive patients receiving this treatment between 2006 and 2012. Efficacy was defined as achieving a total regrowth of terminal hair. Results: 26 patients were included (17 with AA universalis or totalis and 9 with severe multifocal AA). Total regrowth was noted in 15/26 patients. After 3 months of treatment, hair regrowth >80% was associated with further complete regrowth, and hair regrowth <30% was associated with later treatment failure (p = 0.0014). When treatment was tapered, 11/15 patients with initial complete efficacy experienced AA relapse. Conclusion: MTX combined with low- to moderate-dose OC may be an efficient and well-tolerated treatment for severe AA. However, long-term maintenance treatment is usually required.