Terminal Hair Count Research Articles

Cell Enriched Autologous Fat Grafts to Follicular Niche Improves Hair Regrowth in Early Androgenetic Alopecia.

BackgroundAdipose and adipose derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) play an increasing role in androgenetic alopecia.ObjectivesThe authors sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of fat grafts enriched with ADRCs in early androgenetic alopecia.MethodsSeventy-one patients were treated: 16 with Puregraft fat and 1.0 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp; 22 with Puregraft fat and 0.5 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp, 24 with Puregraft fat alone, and 9 with saline control. Treatments were delivered into the skin and subcutaneous layer of the scalp. A total of 40 cm2 of scalp was treated and macrophotography and global photography were obtained at baseline and at 6, 24, and 52 weeks.ResultsA total of 71 patients tolerated the procedures well. No unanticipated associated adverse events were reported. When evaluating all patients at 24 weeks, there were no statistical differences between any of the treatment groups with respect to nonvellus (terminal) hair counts or width. There were increases (mean change from baseline) in terminal hair count for the low-dose ADRC group in the Norwood Hamilton 3 subgroup at week 6 (13.90 ± 16.68), week 12 (11.75 ± 19.42), week 24 (16.56 ± 14.68), and week 52 (2.78 ± 16.15). For this subgroup, the difference in hair count between the low-dose ADRC group and no-fat saline control was statistically significant (P = 0.0318) at week 24.ConclusionsPuregraft fat and ADRCs are safe and well tolerated. In early male hair loss, this therapy demonstrated a statistically significant increase in terminal hair counts relative to the control population at 24 weeks and represents a promising approach for early androgenetic alopecia.Level of Evidence: 2

Faun tail nevus: A series of 15 cases and their management with Intense Pulse Light

BackgroundLocalized lumbosacral hypertrichosis presenting as faun tail nevus often represents an underlying spinal occult or overt abnormality. This study was undertaken to study these abnormalities and assess their treatment outcome with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) for permanent hair reduction. MethodsPatients reporting with localized spinal hypertrichosis underwent clinical examination and radio imaging. Symptomatic neurological deficit underwent definitive neurosurgical intervention (if indicated) before hair removal. IPL was administered as 30 J/cm2 four weekly for six sessions. Treatment assessment was based on a Global Physician Assessment Scale and by averaged terminal hair count at four quadrants in 1 cm2 area as observed through the hair densitometer before starting treatment, every four weeks and at the end of six months of follow up thereafter. Averaged hair count was interpreted with paired t-test. ResultsThis neurocutaneous marker was observed in 15 patients out of a total of 360,767 patients (0.004%) over a four-year period. Age group of patients ranged from 3 to 26 years, comprising of all female patients. Radio imaging revealed diastematomyelia in 10, spina bifida in 04 and 01 had both as the primary spinal abnormality. Thirteen patients were treated with IPL for a period of six months, assessment after six months revealed a highly statistical significant p > 0.0001 reduction in hair growth consistent when followed up after 18 months. ConclusionThis article aims to present a series of this rare neurocutaneous marker and highlight our experience in their management with IPL served as an effective alternative to traditional lasers.

Autologous Adipose Derived Stem Cell versus Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Androgentic Alopecia: Efficacy, Side Effects and Safety

Background: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is based on the release of growth factors stimulating the initiation/ extension of anagen phase as well as promoting vascularization, Adipose Derived Stem Cell (AT-ADSCs) treatment were recently introduced as an alternative potential therapeutic application for hair growth. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy side effects and safety of AT-ASCs and PRP in the treatment of androgentic alopecia. Patients and methods: Sixty randomized patients were treated by PRP, and AT-ASCs. Each patient was evaluated, and each lesion was treated by those modalities, patients received three sessions with one month interval for 3 months, follow up after 3 months. Results: A highly significant improvement <0.001 in terminal hair count of AT-ASCs group evaluated by video-dermoscopy assessment of AGA. That were confirmed by highly significant improvement in inter-mediate hair count and mean caliber (<0.001) associated with high incidence of side effects especially headache and erythema. In contrast, PRP group showed significant improvement 0.037 in terminal hair count and non-significant improvement in inter-mediate hair count and of mean caliber with minimum side effects. AT-ASCs showed a significant improvement in terminal hair count than PRP, Highly significant improvement in Inter-mediate hair count and hair caliber. Also, side effects of AT-ASCs showed highly significant pain, headache and erythema but no serious adverse events. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the There was significant improvement in AGA after PRP and highly significant after AT-ASCs therapy with significant difference of ADSC in terminal hair count and highly significant in caliber. Both modalities could effectively and safely be used to treat AGA.

Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Cryotherapy on Alopecia Areata: A Prospective, Split-scalp Study in Patients with Multiple Alopecia Patches.

BackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) affects anagen hair follicles resulting in non-scarring hair loss. Since its introduction, superficial cryotherapy has been used as one of the meaningful treatment modalities for AA.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to clarify the therapeutic efficacy and safety of superficial cryotherapy for treatment of AA.MethodsIn 19 patients with multiple bilateral AA patches on their scalp, superficial cryotherapy was performed on the right side, every 2 weeks. Prednicarbate 0.25% solution was applied twice a day to both the treated and the control sides. Clinical improvement was estimated using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score by 3 different dermatologists, along with the changes in terminal and vellus hair count and hair thickness analyzed by phototrichogram.ResultsAfter 4 months of treatment, mean terminal hair count on the right scalp was 1.6-fold increased (p=0.005), while mean terminal hair count on the left scalp showed no significant change (110.1% increase, p=0.285). Mean SALT score decrease on the right was 4-fold greater than that on the left (40.7% and 9.6%), without statistical significance (p=0.282). Mean vellus hair count and mean hair thickness did not show significant changes after superficial cryotherapy. No remarkable adverse event was observed.ConclusionSuperficial cryotherapy is an efficacious treatment modality with advantages of simplicity and noninvasiveness. It can be considered as a meaningful therapeutic modality for AA, especially when the disease status is limited to minimal to mild, or the conventional AA treatment is not applicable.

A 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of a marine complex supplement to promote hair growth in men with thinning hair.

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, affects approximately 50% of the adult population and can cause poor self-image, low self-esteem and have a significant negative impact on the quality of life. An oral nutraceutical supplement based on a marine complex formulation has previously been reported to significantly increase the number of terminal hairs in women with thinning hair. The objective of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to confirm the beneficial effects of a similar marine complex supplement in adult male subjects with thinning hair (Viviscal® Man; Lifes2good, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Healthy adult male subjects with thinning hair associated with clinically diagnosed male pattern hair loss were enrolled and randomized to receive study drug or placebo twice daily. At Day 90, subjects indicated a significant improvement in three of six quality of life measures as well as a significant overall improvement in quality of life. After 180 days, significant increases were observed for total hair count, total hair density, and terminal hair density (for each, P = 0.001). The investigator assessments revealed significant improvements in terminal and vellus hair count and terminal hair density. Hair pull test results were significantly lower (fewer hairs removed) for study drug vs. placebo at Days 90 (P < 0.05) and 180 (P < 0.01). There were no reports of treatment-emergent adverse events. The results of this study showed for the first time that a dietary supplement containing a marine complex and other ingredients can decrease hair shedding and promote hair growth in men with thinning hair.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study

SignificanceMale and female pattern hair loss are common, chronic dermatologic disorders with limited therapeutic options. In recent years, a number of commercial devices using low-level laser therapy have been promoted, but there have been little peer-reviewed data on their efficacy.ObjectiveTo determine whether treatment with a low-level laser device, the US FDA-cleared HairMax Lasercomb®, increases terminal hair density in both men and women with pattern hair loss.MethodsRandomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind clinical trials were conducted at multiple institutional and private practices. A total of 146 male and 188 female subjects with pattern hair loss were screened. A total of 128 male and 141 female subjects were randomized to receive either a lasercomb (one of three models) or a sham device in concealed sealed packets, and were treated on the whole scalp three times a week for 26 weeks. Terminal hair density of the target area was evaluated at baseline and at 16- and 26-week follow-ups, and analyzed to determine whether the hypothesis formulated prior to data collection, that lasercomb treatment would increase terminal hair density, was correct. The site investigators and the subjects remained blinded to the type of device they dispensed/received throughout the study. The evaluator of masked digital photographs was blinded to which trial arm the subject belonged.ResultsSeventy-eight, 63, 49, and 79 subjects were randomized in four trials of 9-beam lasercomb treatment in female subjects, 12-beam lasercomb treatment in female subjects, 7-beam lasercomb treatment in male subjects, and 9- and 12-beam lasercomb treatment in male subjects, compared with the sham device, respectively. Nineteen female and 25 male subjects were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 122 female and 103 male subjects in the efficacy analysis, the mean terminal hair count at 26 weeks increased from baseline by 20.2, 20.6, 18.4, 20.9, and 25.7 per cm2 in 9-beam lasercomb-treated female subjects, 12-beam lasercomb-treated female subjects, 7-beam lasercomb-treated male subjects, and 9- and 12-beam lasercomb-treated male subjects, respectively, compared with 2.8 (p < 0.0001), 3.0 (p < 0.0001), 1.6 (p = 0.0017), 9.4 (p = 0.0249), and 9.4 (p = 0.0028) in sham-treated subjects (95 % confidence interval). The increase in terminal hair density was independent of the age and sex of the subject and the lasercomb model. Additionally, a higher percentage of lasercomb-treated subjects reported overall improvement of hair loss condition and thickness and fullness of hair in self-assessment, compared with sham-treated subjects. No serious adverse events were reported in any subject receiving the lasercomb in any of the four trials.Conclusions and relevanceWe observed a statistically significant difference in the increase in terminal hair density between lasercomb- and sham-treated subjects. No serious adverse events were reported. Our results suggest that low-level laser treatment may be an effective option to treat pattern hair loss in both men and women. Additional studies should be considered to determine the long-term effects of low-level laser treatment on hair growth and maintenance, and to optimize laser modality.

Clinical and microscopic evaluation of long-term (6 months) epilation effects of the ipulse personal home-use intense pulsed light (IPL) device

The aim of this study is to investigate the cellular mechanism of long-term hair reduction using a novel, square pulse, low-fluence home-use IPL device. Ten subjects' axillae (Fitzpatrick III-V) were treated once weekly for four consecutive weeks in a simulated home-use trial. Treated and control site punch biopsies were taken from axillary sites for H&E staining and blinded histological examination before, immediately after and six months after the fourth treatment. The contralateral axilla served as a control. Histologically, four sequential weekly treatments gave a significant increase in telogen compared with anagen follicles. Six months after the fourth treatment, an 87% reduction in terminal hair count (P ≤ 0.00005) was recorded. An atypical telogen with infundibular dilatation and plugging of keratin and clumping of melanin with disintegration and/or retraction of the intraluminal hair shaft were observed. The papillae remained viable and some new anagen follicles were evident after four treatments. Vellous hairs appeared unaffected by IPL exposures. A mixed inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils around vessels of the superficial and deep dermis was sometimes present but the epidermis appeared always normal. A highly significant hair density reduction through induction of telogen followed by miniaturization similar to that achieved in professionally delivered permanent laser hair reduction appears to be the major mechanism of hair reduction using home-use IPL. IPL-induced damage to the isthmus and upper stem may inhibit or interfere with the hair regrowth process. Longer term studies are required to determine if this observed damage is clinically permanent.

Effects of a new mild shampoo for preventing hair loss in Asian by a simple hand-held phototrichogram technique

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a commercially available shampoo in Korean subjects with alopecia using a simple hand-held phototrichogram technique. Forty-four subjects with alopecia were enrolled and forty subjects continued for 16 weeks. In the test group, total hair counts increased significantly at weeks 8 and 16, and the number of shedding hair significantly decreased at week 16. Terminal hair counts significantly increased at week 8. In the control group, hair thickness and the number of vellus hairs significantly decreased at week 16. The number of total hairs significantly increased in the test group than in the control group at weeks 8 and 16. The number of shedding hairs significantly decreased in the test group than in the control group at week 16. Visual assessment using clinical digital images showed that the number of total hairs appeared to increase although there was no statistical significance. In this study, it was found that the test shampoo could prevent hair loss.

Hair removal with a novel, low fluence, home-use intense pulsed light device

Objective: To evaluate the reduction in unwanted body and facial hair at various body sites of Fitzpatrick skin types I–III and the efficacy, comfort and safety of this treatment intended for home-use by the general public. Methods: In this non-randomized study, 29 individuals were given three sequential weekly treatments on a total of 31 body and facial areas including the axilla, bikini area, abdomen, neck, chin and upper lip using a novel intense pulsed light device. All participants completed a simple self-assessment questionnaire, as well as an evaluation of pain/discomfort. Results: The mean reduction in terminal hair counts was 47% at 4 weeks' follow-up and 41% at 6 months' follow-up after completing three sequential weekly treatments. Overall, 84% of participants showed a significant percentage of hair reduction (p<0.01) at the 6-month follow-up, with a mean of 51% (range 25–86%). No treatment-related side effects were reported, with little or no discomfort reported during the treatment. Only mild erythema was noted immediately post-treatment. In total, 85% of the participants were either pleased or very pleased with the results 1 month after the third treatment. Conclusions: In simulated consumer use, this home-use IPL demonstrated a significant, quantifiable and sustainable reduction in unwanted body and facial hair with minimal side effects.

The use of low-level light for hair growth: Part I

Background and objective: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a new therapy for the treatment of hair loss. It has received enormous media attention and tremendous marketing budgets from companies that sell the devices, but no independent, peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated its efficacy in this application. Here we investigate the efficacy of LLLT in enhancing hair growth. Methods: A total of seven patients were exposed to LLLT twice weekly for 20 minutes each time over a period of 3-6 months. Five patients were treated for a total of 3 months and two were treated for 6 months. Videomicroscopic images were taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, and analyzed for changes in vellus hair counts, terminal hair counts, and shaft diameter. Both videomicroscopic and global images underwent blinded review for evidence of subjective improvement. Patients also answered questionnaires assessing hair growth throughout the study. Neither patients nor physicians conducting the study received any financial compensation. Results: The results indicate that on average patients had a decrease in the number of vellus hairs, an increase in the number of terminal hairs, and an increase in shaft diameter. However, paired i-testing indicated that none of these changes was statistically significant. Also, blinded evaluation of global images did not support an improvement in hair density or caliber. Conclusions: LLLT may be a promising treatment option for patients who do not respond to either finasteride or minoxidil, and who do not want to undergo hair transplantation. This technology appears to work better for some people than for others. Factors predicting who will most benefit are yet to be determined. Larger, longer-term placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings, and demonstrate statistical significance, or refute them altogether.

Comparing the therapeutic effects of finasteride gel and tablet in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia

Finasteride, a type II-selective 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, as a causative agent of decreasing dihydroxy testosterone (DHT) level, is effective in the treatment of male androgenic alopecia. We compared the local and oral finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. This is a double blind, randomized clinical trial study of 45 male patients, who were referred with alopecia to the private clinics and departments in Boo-Ali Sina Hospital, in Sari. Patients with male androgenic alopecia were selected according to the history and physical examinations. The patients were randomly divided into two: topical finasteride (A) and oral finasteride (B) groups. Topical finasteride group (A) received a topical gel of 1% finasteride and placebo tablets, while the oral finasteride group (B) received finasteride tablets (1 mg) and gel base (without drug) as placebo for 6 months. The patients were followed by clinical observation and recording of side effects prior to the treatment and at the end of first week, and then by a monthly follow-up. The size of bald area, total hair count, and terminal hair were studied. Data were analyzed by descriptive and Chi-square statistical test. The mean duration of hair loss was 18.8+/-23.10 months. Each month the terminal hair, size of bald area and hair count between the two groups were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups as a viewpoint of hair thickness, hair counts and the size of bald area. Serial measurements indicated a significant increase in hair counts and terminal hair counts between the two groups. The results of this study showed that the therapeutic effects of both finasteride gel and finasteride tablet were relatively similar to each other.

A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study Evaluating Melanin-Encapsulated Liposomes as a Chromophore for Laser Hair Removal of Blond, White, and Gray Hair

Laser hair removal of blond and white hair is a complicated task with often unsatisfactory results as a result of a lack of laser-absorbing chromophore. In the present study, we investigated if repetitive external application of liposomal melanin (Lipoxome; Dalton Medicare B.V., Zevenbergschen Hoek, The Netherlands) enables removal of blond/white and gray hair with a diode laser. Forty-two areas of blond, gray, or white facial and body hair of 16 patients were treated with a liposomal melanin spray (Lipoxome) and 3 cycles of 800 nm diode laser at intervals of 8 weeks (28-40 J/cm). A control group of 16 patients applied physiological saline spray before diode laser treatment. Hair regrowth was measured 8 weeks after each cycle and additionally 6 months after the last treatment by counting the number of terminal hairs compared with baseline pretreatment values. Complications and treatment outcomes were documented. Mean regrowth in the liposomal melanin group was 83% after 3 treatment cycles. Six months after therapy, average terminal hair count compared with baseline pretreatment showed 14% reduction. Although significant difference was seen compared with the control group showing a 10% reduction of hair growth after 6 months (P < 0.05), the clinical outcome was disappointing. Melanin-encapsulated liposomal spray in combination with diode laser treatment showed significant higher efficacy in the treatment of white and blond hair compared with a control group. However, the clinically observed hair reduction was so weak that additional effort as well as higher costs argues against the application of the tested formulation.

Recent Findings with Computerized Methods for Scalp Hair Growth Measurements

Sensitive tools have been developed in order to monitor hair loss and treatment responses. Recently the Tricho-Scan was presented (by RH) as such a method which combines epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) with automatic digital image analysis. Herewith new TrichoScan data obtained from 10 women and 21 men with androgenetic hair loss after 6 mo of treatment with 5%-minoxidil are presented. Even in this small cohort of patients, we noticed a significant increase of hair density, cumulative hair thickness and terminal hair counts. Alternative methods were developed during a human alopecia investigation and research technology (HAIR Technology) programme at Skinterface. This involves contrast-enhancement, image acquisition, and processing by qualified technicians followed by computer-assisted image analysis. The specific identification of exogen hair, further adds to this very refined non-invasive investigative method for hair follicle function investigation. Regional variations of hair growth dynamics do exist in the human scalp such as in female patients complaining of hair loss, scalp hair density and growth on top of the head differs significantly from the occipital site. Finally, from transversal studies and from detailed monitoring of subsequent hair cycles during longitudinal studies, data were obtained that support the fact that shortening of hair cycle, slowing down of growth rates and thinning of hair shafts are heralding hair miniaturisation. In the workshop the TrichoScan, the method of Canfield and Skinterface have been shown.

Hair removal with a combined light/heat based photo-epilation system

A variety of lasers and light sources have been used for removal of unwanted hair. A novel, new, flashlamp-based device, with a mechanism of action based on a combination of both emitted light and heat, has been developed for safe and reliable hair removal. To assess the efficacy and safety of hair removal by a combined light/heat based photoepilation system. A pilot trial was undertaken. Twenty one anatomic sites received one to three treatments with the SpaTouch light/heat based photoepilation system. Fluences ranging from 6.25 to 6.45 J/cm(2) and pulse duration of 35 ms were used. Evaluations of hair regrowth was performed at 4 months after the last treatment by comparing the terminal hair count to the baseline values. Patient satisfaction and potential complications were evaluated. Average hair reduction after photoepilation was 27% for one to three treatments at 4 months following the final treatment. 46% and 15% of subjects reported being 'mildly pleased' and 'very pleased' with the results of treatment. No hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or scarring was observed at 4 months after treatment. The SpaTouch light/heat based photoepilation system represents the newest efficient and safe method in hair removal. Further study of optimal parameters is required.

A clinical study of hair removal using the long-pulsed ruby laser.

Laser hair removal is rapidly becoming a widely used modality. Clinical studies are needed to assess these hair removal systems. The long-pulsed ruby laser is one such modality for the removal of unwanted hair. To evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulsed ruby laser (694 nm, 3-msec pulsewidth, 7- or 10-mm spot size) in removing unwanted hair, and to provide treatment guidelines for the proper utilization of this laser system. Forty-eight areas of unwanted facial and body hair from 25 patients with blonde, brown, or black hair were treated with the long-pulsed ruby laser at fluences between 10 and 40 J/cm2. Hair regrowth was measured at 4 weeks after the first treatment, 4 weeks after the second treatment, 4 weeks after the third treatment, and 16 weeks after the third treatment by counting the number of terminal hairs compared with baseline pretreatment values. All complications and treatment outcomes were documented. The mean percent of regrowth after the first treatment was 65.5%, 41% after the second treatment, and 34% after the third treatment. Overall, regardless of skin type or targeted body region, patients who underwent three treatment sessions demonstrated an average 35% regrowth in terminal hair count compared with baseline pretreatment values 6 months after initial therapy. Long-pulsed ruby laser treatment resulted in significant hair growth delay in most cases. Repeated laser treatments produced an increased number of vellus hairs, an increase in growth delay, and a decreased percentage of hair regrowth.

Comparable efficacy of 2% minoxidil gel and solution formulations in the treatment of male pattern alopecia

Sixty-four healthy men with early male pattern baldness completed a 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which the efficacy of 2% minoxidil gel and solution formulations was compared. Treatment with topical 2% minoxidil in both formulations resulted in a statistically significant increase in terminal hair growth referenced against baseline counts. The patients' subjective assessments of hair growth did not correlate well with actual increase in terminal hair counts.

Androgenetic alopecia treated with topical minoxidil

A randomized double-blind trial of topical minoxidil was carried out during a 12-month period in 56 patients with male pattern baldness. Subjects were randomly assigned to treatment with either 2% minoxidil solution, 3% minoxidil solution, or placebo. The placebo group was switched to 3% minoxidil after the first 4 months. Subjects using the 2% and 3% solutions of minoxidil showed a significant change in terminal and indeterminate hair counts (p less than 0.05) from the placebo group at 4 months. A progressive decrease in vellus hair counts with a concomitant increase in both indeterminate and terminal hair counts was noted during the 12-month period, suggesting that minoxidil applied topically partially reverses the balding phenomenon.

Androgenetic alopecia: Treatment results with topical minoxidil

A double-blind 12-month trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in patients with androgenetic alopecia. During the first 4 months of the study, patients applied a topical solution containing either 2% minoxidil, 3% minoxidil, or placebo to their scalps twice daily. At the end of the fourth month, patients taking placebo were crossed over to treatment with 3% minoxidil solution. Of 60 patients enrolled in the study, 43 were evaluable at month 12. Hairs were counted in a 1-inch target area and classified as vellus, indeterminate, and terminal; the latter two classifications were combined as nonvellus hairs for further statistical analysis. All three groups had significant increases in total, nonvellus, and terminal hair counts between baseline and month 4 and between month 4 and month 12. At month 4 the average total hair counts increased from a baseline mean of 158.2 to 270.2 in the 2% minoxidil group, from 156.6 to 287.0 in the 3% minoxidil group, and from 162.6 to 246.9 in the placebo group. At month 12 the means were 415.6, 448.5, and 471.1 in the 2% minoxidil, 3% minoxidil, and placebo-3% minoxidil crossover subjects, respectively. The increases from month 4 to month 12 were highly significant for each group (p = 0.0001). Average increases in nonvellus hair counts between months 4 and 12 were 216, 181, and 264 in the 2% minoxidil, 3% minoxidil, and placebo-to-3% minoxidil crossover groups, respectively, all highly significant differences from zero (p = 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia

Of 149 subjects with androgenetic alopecia, 102 completed 1 year of a double-blind, randomized study comparing 2% minoxidil and 3% minoxidil solutions for safety and efficacy. One third of the subjects used a vehicle placebo for the first 4 months and then switched to 3% minoxidil. At 12 months the 2% minoxidil group switched to a 3% solution. During months 5 to 12 a steady increase in terminal hair counts occurred to an equal degree within the 2% and 3% minoxidil groups and the 3% treatment group switched from placebo. Total hair counts at 12 months increased from a baseline mean of 63.5 to 180.6 in the 2% treatment group, from 61.0 to 179.9 in the 3% group, and from 65.0 to 191.1 in the placebo to 3% crossover group. Although all 102 subjects completing 12 months of the study thought that visible hair growth had resulted, 89 were considered by the investigators to have visible growth. Dense hair growth, defined as hair long enough to cut or comb, was present in 48 subjects by their own evaluation and in 33 subjects by investigator evaluation. There were no serious side effects. Two instances of allergic contact dermatitis and four of pruritus were attributed to use of the drug. Two individuals complained of impotence, which disappeared within a few days of discontinuation of topical minoxidil. This effect has not been reported during the use of minoxidil in its oral form (Loniten) for the treatment of hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)