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Hairloss Study Abstract: Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hairloss. |
J Am Acad Dermatol 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):930-7
Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hairloss.
Leyden J, Dunlap F, Miller B, Winters P, Lebwohl M,
Hecker D, Kraus S, Baldwin H, Shalita A, Draelos Z, Markou
M, Thiboutot D, Rapaport M, Kang S, Kelly T, Pariser D,
Webster G, Hordinsky M, Rietschel R, Katz HI, Terranella
L, Best S, Round E, Waldstreicher J
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
BACKGROUND: Finasteride, a specific inhibitor of type II 5alpha-reductase, decreases serum
and scalp dihydrotestosterone and has been shown to be effective in men with vertex male
pattern hairloss. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of finasteride 1 mg/day in
men with frontal (anterior/mid) scalp hair thinning. METHODS: This was a 1-year,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed by a 1-year open extension. Efficacy was
assessed by hair counts (1 cm2 circular area), patient and investigator assessments, and
global photographic review. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in hair count in the
frontal scalp of finasteride-treated patients (P < .001), as well as significant
improvements in patient, investigator, and global photographic assessments. Efficacy was
maintained or improved throughout the second year of the study. Finasteride was generally
well tolerated. CONCLUSION: In men with hairloss in the anterior/mid area of the scalp,
finasteride 1 mg/day slowed hairloss and increased hair growth.
