Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution: A retrospective cohort study

Background Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) is primary cicatricial considered subtype of lichen planopilaris (LPP). Objective The clinical and histopathological features, treatment response 24 female patients with FAPD were evaluated. Methods Demographic, clinical, data retrospectively collected. Results Twenty-four women included (mean age 60.7 years). mean Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index score was 1.50 the median Sinclair grade 3. Twelve had diffuse thinning centroparietal region, four frontal accentuation eight vertex hair loss. Eight loss facial hair. Predominant trichoscopic features shaft diameter variability (100%), perifollicular erythema and/or scaling (95%) follicular ostia (95%). Histopathology revealed scarring interface changes epithelia targeting terminal intermediate and, occasionally, vellus hairs. Treatment growth-promoting, anti-inflammatory anti-androgen agents arrested disease progression 14 resulted regrowth two patients. Six their spite treatment. Limitations Referral bias to specialist clinic, retrospective design small sample size. Conclusions We present clinicopathological which can aid diagnosis this insidious alopecia. Our findings suggest more favourable outcome if initiated early stages disease.