The Alopecia Areata Consensus of Experts (ACE) study: Results of an international expert opinion on treatments for alopecia areata
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2020
Abstract
Background: A systematic review failed to identify any systemic therapy used in alopecia areata (AA) where use is supported by robust evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials. Objective: To produce an international consensus statement on the use and utility of various treatments for AA. Methods: Fifty hair experts from 5 continents were invited to participate in a 3-round Delphi process. Agreement of 66% or greater was considered consensus. Results: In the first round, consensus was achieved in 22 of 423 (5%) questions. After a face-to-face meeting in round 3, overall, consensus was achieved for only 130 (33%) treatment-specific questions. There was greater consensus for intralesional treatment of AA (19 [68%]) followed by topical treatment (25 [43%]). Consensus was achieved in 45 (36%) questions pertaining to systemic therapies in AA. The categories with the least consensus were phototherapy and nonprescription therapies. Limitations: The study included a comprehensive list of systemic treatments for AA but not all treatments used. Conclusion: Despite divergent opinions among experts, consensus was achieved on a number of pertinent questions. The concluding statement also highlights areas where expert consensus is lacking and where an international patient registry could enable further research.
Recommended Citation
Meah, Nekma; Wall, Dmitri; York, Katherine; Bhoyrul, Bevin; Bokhari, Laita; Sigall, Daniel Asz; Bergfeld, Wilma F.; Betz, Regina C.; Blume-Peytavi, Ulrike; Callender, Valerie; Chitreddy, Vijaya; Combalia, Andrea; Cotsarelis, George; Craiglow, Brittany; Donovan, Jeff; Eisman, Samantha; Farrant, Paul; Green, Jack; Grimalt, Ramon; Harries, Matthew; Hordinsky, Maria; Irvine, Alan D.; Itami, Satoshi; Jolliffe, Victoria; King, Brett; Lee, Won Soo; McMichael, Amy; Messenger, Andrew; Mirmirani, Paradi; Olsen, Elise; Orlow, Seth J.; Piraccini, Bianca Maria; Rakowska, Adriana; and Reygagne, Pascal, "The Alopecia Areata Consensus of Experts (ACE) study: Results of an international expert opinion on treatments for alopecia areata" (2020). College of Medicine Faculty Publications. 213.
https://dh.howard.edu/med_fac/213
