Objective outcome measures: Collecting meaningful data on alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Although alopecia areata is a common disorder, it has no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment and evidence-based therapeutic data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, response criteria, and end points for alopecia areata. METHODS: Literature review and expert opinion of a group of dermatologists specializing in hair disorders. RESULTS: Standardized methods of assessing and tracking hair loss and growth, including new scoring techniques, response criteria, and end points in alopecia areata are presented. LIMITATIONS: The additional time to perform the assessments is the primary limitation to use of the methodology in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Use of these measures will facilitate collection of standardized outcome data on therapeutic agents used in alopecia areata both in clinical practice and in clinical trials.

Duke Scholars

Author Elise Arline Olsen Dermatology