Hair regrowth with topical triiodothyronine ointment in patients with alopecia
areata: a double-blind, randomized pilot clinical trial of efficacy.
Author(s): Nasiri S, Haghpanah V, Taheri E, Heshmat R, Larijani B, Saeedi M.
Affiliation(s): Skin Research Center, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Publication date & source: 2012, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. , 26(5):654-6
BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormone receptors are expressed in hair follicles and it is
known that thyroid hormones can have a positive effect on hair growth, i.e.
process which is disrupted in alopecia areata.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of topical
triiodothyronine in patients with patchy alopecia areata.
METHODS: Ten patients with patchy alopecia areata were treated with
triiodothyronine and placebo applied twice daily to either of two bilaterally
symmetrical patches for 12 weeks. The two sides were randomly assigned following
simple randomization procedure to one of the two treatment groups. The patients
and the investigator were blinded to the content of the tubes. Hair regrowth was
evaluated every 4 weeks. Blood samples for measurements of complete blood count
along with thyroid function (T3, T4 and TSH) and liver function tests were taken
at the baseline and at the end of study.
RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant
difference between the outcome in terms of reduction of the patch size and hair
regrowth. No adverse effects were noted.
CONCLUSION: Triiodothyronine in the studied dosage and formulation was safe but
not more effective than placebo. However, newer thyroid hormone analogues might
be more effective and evaluating their effects probably warrants further
consideration.
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