Korean J Dermatol.  2014 Jan;52(1):40-43.

Alopecia Areata in a Patient Treated with Interferon Alpha-2a for Chronic Hepatitis B

• Kim YS
• Lee GM
• Bae YI
• Park YL
• Lee SH

Abstract

Recent studies recommend pegylated interferon alpha2a as the first choice treatment for chronic hepatitis B, especially when the patient is negative for HBeAg. Pegylated interferon alpha is known to show variable side effects including skin symptoms, with alopecia as the most common dermatologic side effect experienced for 10% up to 36%. pcc) Most alopecia cases related to pegylated interferon alpha were presented with telogen effluvium pattern, but alopecia areata cases are reported rarely. In this case, typically localized alopecia areata was presented with pegylated interferon alpha2a treatment in hepatitis B patient, and the course of alopecia areata seemed to be related with administration and discontinuation of pegylated interferon alpha2a.

Keyword

Alopecia areata; Pegylated interferon

MeSH Terms

Alopecia Areata*
Alopecia*
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B e Antigens
Hepatitis B, Chronic*
Hepatitis, Chronic*
Humans
Interferon-alpha
Interferons*
Skin
Hepatitis B e Antigens
Interferon-alpha
Interferons