a Retrospective Study on the Systemic Treatment of LPP and FFA

Erasmus University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Hair Diseases; Hair Loss/Baldness; Scarring Alopecia; Lichen Planopilaris; Cicatricial Alopecia; Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia; Lichen Plano-Pilaris

Treatments: Drug: Hydroxychloroquine; Drug: Cyclosporine A; Drug: Retinoids; Drug: Methotrexate

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06512766

9434

Details and patient eligibility

About

This retrospective study aims to assess the effectiveness of systemic treatments for lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in patients treated at the Erasmus MC University Medical Center. LPP and FFA are chronic inflammatory hair disorders leading to irreversible hair loss. The study evaluates treatment responses to systemic medications, including hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, cyclosporine A, and retinoids.

Full description

Cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, refers to a group of rare chronic inflammatory hair disorders resulting in irreversible hair loss. Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are the most common forms of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia, affecting predominantly postmenopausal women. These conditions lead to significant quality of life impairment due to their chronic nature and the lack of effective, standardized treatment protocols. The study aimed to address the gap in evidence-based treatment guidelines by investigating the effectiveness of various systemic therapies currently used in clinical practice. The retrospective cohort study reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with LPP or FFA at the Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, from July 2016 to July 2022.

Enrollment: 315 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of LPP or FFA
• 18 years or older

Exclusion criteria

• Other forms of cicatricial alopecia than LPP or FFA

Trial design

315 participants in 2 patient groups

Lichen planopilaris

Description:

Patients in this group were diagnosed and treated for lichen planopilaris (LPP), a form of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia. Treatment options included hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine A (CsA), and retinoids. The effectiveness of these treatments varied among patients. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments were not consistent.

Treatment:

Drug: Methotrexate

Drug: Retinoids

Drug: Cyclosporine A

Drug: Hydroxychloroquine

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

Description:

Patients in this group were diagnosed and treated for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a form of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia. Treatment options included hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine A (CsA), and retinoids. The effectiveness of these treatments varied among patients. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments were not consistent.

Treatment:

Drug: Methotrexate

Drug: Retinoids

Drug: Cyclosporine A

Drug: Hydroxychloroquine