NCT06512766

a Retrospective Study on the Systemic Treatment of LPP and FFA

Cicatricial Alopecia: a Retrospective Study on the Systemic Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 315 (actual)
• Sponsor: Erasmus Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Cicatricial Alopecia
• Lichen Planopilaris
• Lichen Plano-Pilaris
• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
• Hair Diseases
• Scarring Alopecia
• Hair Loss/Baldness

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Hydroxychloroquine	Patients in this group were treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a systemic medication commonly used as a first-line treatment due to its ease of use and established safety profile. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments varied among patients.
DRUG	Methotrexate	This group consists of patients treated with methotrexate (MTX), a systemic medication often used as a second-line treatment for its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and controlling autoimmune responses. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments varied among patients.
DRUG	Cyclosporine A	Patients in this group were treated with cyclosporine A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressive agent used for its effectiveness in controlling severe inflammatory responses. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments varied among patients.
DRUG	Retinoids	This cohort includes patients treated with retinoids, which are used for their ability to modulate cell growth and differentiation. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the dosage form, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatments varied among patients.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-09-23
• Primary completion: 2023-02-01
• Completion: 2023-02-01
• First posted: 2024-07-22
• Last updated: 2024-07-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Netherlands