Combination Therapy With CGF and Microneedling-Assisted Compound Betamethasone for Resistant Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair loss, can be particularly difficult to manage when patients do not respond to standard therapeutic approaches such as topical or injectable corticosteroids, contact immunotherapy, and systemic treatments. In instances where these conventional therapies prove ineffective, alternative or adjunctive treatments are sought. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) and microneedling (MN)-assisted drug delivery are promising methods for the treatment of different dermatological diseases.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the practical benefits and the safety aspects of utilizing a dual treatment approach involving CGF and MN-assisted compound betamethasone for patients suffering from resistant AA that are unresponsive to conventional medical interventions.

Material and methods: This retrospective study was based on evaluations of seven patients with refractory AA treated with CGF and MN-assisted compound betamethasone from July 2021 to December 2023. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by extents of hair regrowth percentages of involved areas.

Results: Among the seven enrolled patients with refractory AA, a notable outcome was observed where one patient (14.3%) achieved a regrowth of hair by over 50%, while six patients (85.7%) exhibited complete recovery without any systemic or local adverse effects. Furthermore, the difference in SALT scores between baseline, and the final visit for all patients was found to be statistically significant, substantiating the therapeutic efficacy of the intervention employed.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the synergistic application of CGF in conjunction with MN-assisted compound betamethasone may constitute a promising and well-tolerated therapeutic modality for refractory AA, offering a potentially efficacious and safe treatment alternative.