Hair regrowth with topical triiodothyronine ointment in patients with alopecia areata
April 2011
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.
Source
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