The mini-pulse oral corticosteroids treatment for alopecia areata (AA) is an accessible treatment whose efficacy and adverse effects have not yet been properly described. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the mini-pulse oral corticosteroids treatment in patients with AA, and to explore potential factors associated to the response in a real-world setting. An observational study of a prospective cohort to assess the effectiveness and safety of a mini-pulse dexamethasone treatment in patients with AA, who failed to improve with topical therapies, was performed. A SALT II score and other clinical and safety variables were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. An overall significant and progressive decrease of the SALT score was found during treatment: SALT-50 response was achieved after 9 months in 51.8% of the patients. Hypothyroidism and early age of onset were predictors of the lack of response to treatment. The treatment combination with oral minoxidil showed no effect on the SALT score reduction. Dexamethasone daily and cumulative dose were associated with a higher percentage of side effects. To conclude, the mini-pulse oral corticosteroids treatment is an effective treatment for AA, although patients with an early onset of the disease and hypothyroidism may not benefit.
Keywords: alopecia areata; corticosteroids; dexamethasone; mini-pulse therapy.