Korean J Dermatol.  2022 Jul;60(6):371-377.

Efficacy and Safety of Subclinical Sensitization with Diphenylcyclopropenone in Children with Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Study

• Lee SH
• Lee CH
• Kang H
• Lee WS

Abstract

Background
Contact immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone is one of the first-line treatments for extensive alopecia areata, despite its adverse effects (AEs).
Objective
This study aimed to investigate whether a modified contact immunotherapy treatment protocol can safely promote hair regrowth in children.
Methods
Children with alopecia areata who were treated with modified contact immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were sensitized with 0.1% diphenylcyclopropenone and began treatment at subsequent increasing concentrations. The efficacy, AEs, and demographic factors were evaluated.
Results
A total of 32 patients, aged 9 to 17 years (mean age, 14.6 years), were included in the study. The mean disease duration was 26.8 months. Ten (31.3%) and 11 patients (34.4%) showed complete and partial responses, respectively. No AEs were observed after the sensitization. During treatment, 13 patients (40.6%) did not experience any AEs. Sixteen patients (50.0%) showed mild to moderate pruritus, and only three patients (9.4%) had severe pruritus. However, all AEs were well controlled.
Conclusion
A modified diphenylcyclopropenone treatment protocol with subclinical sensitization could induce a favorable therapeutic response and fewer AEs in children.

Keyword

Alopecia areata; Diphenylcyclopropenone; Immunotherapy; Sensitization