Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Patterns, and Outcomes of Chinese Patients With Alopecia Areata

BACKGROUNDAlopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory, nonscarring hair loss disorder with significant variations in the clinical presentation and unpredictable nature of the disease. Although AA is common in clinical dermatology, knowledge gaps remain regarding the clinical characteristics and impact on patients' psychological well-being and overall quality of life.

AIMSThis study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, quality of life, treatment patterns, and long-term prognostic outcomes in Chinese patients with AA.

METHODSWe conducted a retrospective observational study at Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, enrolling patients with AA treated in the outpatient clinic between 2018 and 2024. Data on demographic features, clinical manifestations, quality of life, treatment patterns, and disease progression were collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to summarize the variables of the overall sample. Differences in the above variables were analyzed between mild-to-moderate and severe AA.

RESULTSA total of 70 patients with AA were enrolled in this study. The median age at the time of visit was 37.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 30.0–45.0 years). By Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, 29 patients were classified as mild-to-moderate AA, whereas 41 patients were categorized as severe AA. The patients' quality of life was significantly impaired, as evidenced by a mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 16.5 (standard deviation [SD], 6.7). For treatment patterns, the combination of immunomodulatory drugs and nutritional supplements was the most common option. For the disease course, 72.9% recovered with recurrence.

CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, this retrospective study characterized the clinical features, quality of life, treatment patterns, and long-term prognosis of Chinese AA patients. Current therapies fail to achieve optimal complete hair regrowth and recurrence reduction, leaving significant unmet needs in AA management.

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