A Study of Immunologic Difference Between Responders and Non-responders to Diphencyprone in Patients with Alopecia Areata

Moon, Sang Eun; Kim, Dong Won; Eun, Hee Chul; Lee, Yoo Shin

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of alopecia areata is still unknown, however autoimmune mechanism is strongly suggested. The topical immunotherapy using potent sensitizer has been used as new therapeutic modality. By this method in one half and to one third of the patients, hair growth is observed.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the immunological profile between responders and non-responders to dphencyprone (DPCP) topical immunotherapy in alopecia areata patients.
METHODS
Aker sensitization, DPCP was applied to the patients' scalp weekly for three months. Before and after treatment the therapeutic effect was evaluated by clinical observation by following items: complete baldness, baldness+vellus, baldness+terminal hair and normal hair. Peripheral T cell and T cell subsets, B cell and delayed hypersensitivity with various antigens were evaluated before and after treatment.
RESULTS
The immunologic difference between responders and non-responders was not statistically different.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that no major immunologic difference was observed between responders and non-responders before and after DPCP topical immunotherapy. Local mechanism seems to be related in the response to immunotherapy.