Prednisone therapy for alopecia areata. A follow-up report

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Abstract
Patients (18) treated with prednisone on alternate days for varying degrees of alopecia areata (AA) were examined a mean of 15 mo. after discontinuation of the drug. Despite an initial response to the therapy, long-term benefit was not thought to be substantial. Numerous side effects related either to systemic corticosteroids or to AA were apparent during the course of therapy and at the time of the evaluation. Acne, obesity, lenticular opacities, mild hypertension and impaired ACTH reserve were among the findings noted. Long-term treatment was not accompanied by an obvious beneficial change in the natural course of AA. Because of the potentially serious side effects and the lack of substantial improvement in the eventual course, alternate-day prednisone therapy is not recommended for long-term use in AA.