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a Retrospective Study on the Systemic Treatment of LPP and FFA

Completed
Conditions
Cicatricial Alopecia
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen Plano-Pilaris
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Hair Diseases
Scarring Alopecia
Hair Loss/Baldness
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT06512766
Lead Sponsor
Erasmus Medical Center
Brief 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
315
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of LPP or FFA
  • 18 years or older
Exclusion Criteria
  • Other forms of cicatricial alopecia than LPP or FFA

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Lichen planopilarisCyclosporine APatients 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.
Lichen planopilarisRetinoidsPatients 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.
Frontal fibrosing alopeciaRetinoidsPatients 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.
Frontal fibrosing alopeciaCyclosporine APatients 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.
Lichen planopilarisHydroxychloroquinePatients 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.
Lichen planopilarisMethotrexatePatients 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.
Frontal fibrosing alopeciaHydroxychloroquinePatients 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.
Frontal fibrosing alopeciaMethotrexatePatients 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.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Treatment responseThe time frame for evaluating treatment response varies per patient due to the retrospective nature of the study. Patients were treated and assessed at various intervals between July 2016 and July 2022.

The primary outcome measure is the treatment response of systemic treatment options in patients diagnosed with LPP and FFA. Treatment response is categorized into three groups: no response (progression of symptoms, hair loss, and trichoscopic activity), moderate response (improvement in symptoms, reduced hair loss progression, or reduction in trichoscopic activity), and good response (absence of symptoms, no further hair loss, and no trichoscopic activity).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Reason for discontinuationThe time frame for evaluating reason for discontinuation varies per patient due to the retrospective nature of the study. Patients were treated and assessed at various intervals between July 2016 and July 2022.

This secondary outcome measure assesses the discontinuation rates of systemic treatments (HCQ, MTX, CsA, and retinoids) and the reasons for discontinuation, such as side effects or insufficient treatment effects.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Erasmus MC

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Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

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