Efficacy and safety of azathioprine in alopecia areata
Keywords:
Alopecia areata, azathioprine, SALT scoreAbstract
Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of azathioprine in treating alopecia areata (AA). Study Design  A quasi experimental study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Patients and Methods A total of 37 patients of either gender, with history of AA longer than 6 months, were enrolled in study. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Patients were given azathioprine in an oral dose of 2 mg/kg/day for 6 months and followed up for a further period of 06 months, the end point of the study. Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score was calculated at baseline and 6 months after therapy. Efficacy of azathioprine was defined as the percentage regrowth determined by change in post treatment SALT score ≥50 from baseline. Hematological and biochemical tests were done at the baseline and every follow up. Patients were observed for side effects of the drug. Results Total of 31 patients completed the study. Cumulative mean pre-treatment score was 44.9±25.5. At the end of the study, SALT score was 14.8±17.5. Azathioprine was found to be effective for 24 out of 31 (77.4%) patients. Conclusion  Azathioprine is effective and safe for the treatment of AA.ÂReferences
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