Background:
Highly variable results of
topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone (DPC) in the treatment of alopecia areata have
been reported so far.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of DPC
in
the treatment of severe and chronic
alopecia areata.
Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight patients (16 female and 12 male, 10-35 years
old, mean age 25 years) with chronic and/or EXTENSIVE alopecia areata were enrolled in an
open-label clinical trial. After sensitization
with
2%
DPC,
progressively
higher
concentrations beginning at 0.001% were applied weekly for 6 months to one side of the
scalp. The maximum concentration of DPC was 2%.
Results:
Twenty-seven
of 28 patients
completed therapy. The overall response rate was 81.5% (22 cases). Complete response
(90% -100% terminal hAIR re-growth) was
obtained in 22.2% (6 cases) and partial response (10%-90% terminal hAIR re-growth)
in 59.3% (16 cases) , and 18.5% (5 cases) showed no regrowth. In all patients an eczematous reaction consisting of erythema,
itching, and scaling at the site of application was observed. Other observed side effects included occipital lymphadenopathy in 40.7%
(11 cases), severe eczema /blister formation in 40.7% (11 cases) , hyperpigmentation in
18.5% (5 cases). Notably, partial recurrence
was observed in 66.7% (18 cases) of these patients after 6 to 12 months of follow up. Conclusion: Topical DPC treatment for
alopecia areata is an effective therapy with a relatively high relapse rate.