Question

Drug Information Question: What is the data for using pioglitazone and dutasteride for hair loss in female patients?

Background information:

Question:

Question type: ☐ Patient related        ☐ Academic

Relevant patient information (de-identified):

Urgency:         ☐ STAT (<2 hours)    ☐ ASAP (<24 hours)             ☐ Routine (24-48 hours)

Search Strategy:

[List database(s) used, such as PubMed, etc] was/were searched using the key search terms and MeSH headings:

[Describe results of above search and how specific articles/resources were selected for further review and evaluation]

Introduction:

Response:

Conclusion/recommendation:

Response prepared by:

Time spent:

References:

Answer 1

Ans) FFA is a primary cicatricial alopecia that is increasing in prevalence and difficult to treat, causing marked distress to patients. Currently, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating efficacy of treatments and much of what we know is based on small scale retrospective studies which report outcomes primarily involving a combination of therapies. This serves to compile the current literature on the various treatment options to provide evidence-based guidance to practitioners and to highlight the need for further research in this area.

- The treatments reviewed include 5ARis, intralesional steroids, hydroxychloroquine, topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, systemic retinoids, pioglitazone, oral antibiotics, minoxidil, excimer laser, and hair transplantation.

- It is our assessment that 5ARis, intralesional steroids, and hydroxychloroquine have the highest level of evidence for use at this time and should be among the first-line treatment options to induce disease stabilization in patients.

- The remaining therapies may have some efficacy in the treatment of FFA and can be used as adjuncts, particularly TCIs and excimer laser therapy when there are clinical signs of active inflammation present. However, more data is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

- Of the three, PubMed has the most "bells and whistles" to help you get good search results. These databases have subject specificity in that journals are chosen for inclusion in PubMed or Web of Science based on subject matter. PubMed focuses on clinical and biomedical literature.