A recent study published in Skin Appendage Disorders has revealed that Methotrexate microinfusion (MMP) is a promising and well-tolerated treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a condition characterized by progressive hairline recession and eyebrow loss. The research, conducted by Pitlovanciv and colleagues, shows that MMP significantly reduces symptoms and halts disease progression, offering hope for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.
FFA is a form of scarring alopecia that primarily affects women, causing symptoms such as itching, scaling, redness, and pain. While standard treatments like topical and systemic methotrexate tablets are often ineffective, this study explored a new method of delivering the drug directly into the skin through microinfusion.
In this controlled clinical trial, 17 patients diagnosed with FFA participated, with treatment consisting of three courses of methotrexate (MTX) microinfusion at 30-day intervals. MTX was applied to only the right side of the alopecia-affected area, with the left side serving as a control. This split-scalp design allowed researchers to directly compare the treated and untreated areas within the same individual.
Key Findings from the Study:
Participants: 17 patients with histologically confirmed FFA
Treatment Schedule: Three applications of MTX microinfusion at 30-day intervals
Treatment Area: Right side of the alopecia area treated; left side remained untreated for comparison
Improvements:
Significant reduction in frontal-glabella and frontal temporoparietal readings on the treated side
95% of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the results
Improvement in symptoms such as itching and scaling
No notable changes in hair loss, local erythema (redness), or LPPAI (Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index) scores
Safety: No abnormal laboratory test results were reported during the study
The study concludes that MTX microinfusion via the MMP method is a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing FFA, offering significant symptom relief. These promising results suggest that MTX microinfusion could become a valuable addition to treatment plans, particularly for patients whose conditions do not improve with standard systemic or topical therapies.
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