The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology is making headlines in Healio including, “Hair Texture Changes Linked to Five Classes of Medication.” The article is based on the September study, “Systemic Medications Associated With Hair Texture Changes,” by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, San Francisco. The authors sought to address the paucity of data on the subject with the hopes of helping health care providers better offer anticipatory guidance and counseling for patients on these medications. A literature review found that texture changes were associated primarily with antineoplastic agents, antiepileptics, retinoids, immunomodulators and antiretroviral therapy. De novo or exaggerated curling patterns were most commonly reported. Average time to texture change varied from 4.5 months for the immunomodulators to 17 months for antiretrovirals. Reversibility was noted across all medication classes though irreversible changes were linked with antiretrovirals, retinoids, and antineoplastics.
Healio also wrote about a JDD study in its article, “Patient, Protocol Factors Influence Platelet-Rich Plasma Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia.” The article is based on, “Platelet-Rich Plasma Monotherapies for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study,” which appeared in the September JDD. The authors sought to determine the relative efficacy of PRP regimens with different frequencies of administration. Results showed the frequency of PRP sessions, chemical activation, number of centrifugations, the age and sex of the patient, and the design of PRP administration are correlated with PRP efficacy, resulting in a mean change in total hair density at 6 months from baseline. The authors believe there is a need for a more homogenized protocol, and that more work is needed to ensure that patients are provided with optimal therapy.
Healio is also highlighting another study from the September JDD in the article, ”High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid with Amino Acid Effective in Perioral Rejuvenation,” which is based on the study, “Perioral Rejuvenation: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acid Treatment.” Irina Poleva, MD, sought to assess the safety and efficacy of the rejuvenation of the perioral area with an injectable product containing high-molecular-weight (HMW) native hyaluronic acid (HA) and a cluster of amino acids (AAs). In the open-label observational study, 37 female patients underwent 3 monthly sessions of intradermal injections with HMW HA gel with a cluster of AAs. Follow-up investigations were performed after 30, 60 and 180 days. All patients showed improvement in the perioral area. The objective evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement in pores condition and wrinkles. In addition, the treatment protocol produced natural and subtle results, without an unwanted volume. Dr. Poleva wrote that further studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period should be conducted to verify the findings.
