Telogen effluvium due to recombinant interferon alpha-2b

Dermatology. 1992;184(2):124-5. doi: 10.1159/000247518.

Abstract

Five of 10 patients receiving long-term recombinant interferon alpha-2b therapy complained of considerable hair loss. The pull test and the trichogram showed a telogen count consistent with a telogen effluvium. In 2 patients the telogen count progressively improved despite continuing the treatment, whereas in 3 patients the trichogram continued to show an increased telogen count until interferon therapy was discontinued. Pohl-Pinkus hair constrictions were also present in 2 patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alopecia / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Hair / drug effects*
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Interferon-alpha / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins