Top 5 Most-Read Alopecia Articles of 2024

The most-read alopecia articles include topics on Janus kinase inhibitors, new therapeutic strategies, health-related quality of life measurements, links to the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as similar pathogenesis. | Image Credit: AJ_stock_photos - stock.adobe.com

The most-read alopecia articles published on AJMC.com in 2024 include topics on Janus kinase inhibitors, new therapeutic strategies, health-related quality of life measurements, potential links to the COVID-19 vaccine, and disease pathogenesis. These articles underscore deficiencies in treatment options for patients with alopecia areata, identify associated comorbidities, and emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the disease pathogenesis to guide the development of future therapies.

Here are the top 5 most-read alopecia articles in 2024.

5. FDA Approves Deuruxolitinib for Alopecia Areata

The FDA approved deuruxolitinib, an oral medication developed by Sun Pharma, as the first-line treatment for adults with moderate to severe alopecia areata. The approval is supported by data from the THRIVE-AA1 (NCT04518995) and THRIVE-AA2 trials (NCT04797650) presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. The approval is significant because there is no cure for alopecia and patients rely heavily on various treatments to reduce symptoms.

Read the article here.

4. Alopecia Areata Hair Breakage Linked to Cysteine Deficiency

A comprehensive review reassessed the correlation between the hair characteristics of alopecia areata and cysteine metabolism. The authors hypothesized that dysregulation of cysteine metabolism may play a pivotal role in keratin dysfunction, particularly within the follicular keratin layer. Based on these findings, they proposed novel therapeutic strategies for alopecia areata, primarily focused on modulating cysteine metabolism.

Read the article here.

3. AA Unlikely to Cause Anxiety, Depression but May Be Affected by Mental Illness

Alopecia areata can significantly impact the quality of life and mental health of adult patients, according to this study. Health care providers should address these emotional and social challenges alongside medical treatment, the researchers say. Recognizing the diverse psychological burdens experienced by individuals with alopecia areata can facilitate timely interventions, including psychological counseling.

Read the article here.

2. New Study Suggests Alopecia Areata After COVID-19 Vaccine Rare but Possible

Alopecia areata is a rare occurrence in patients who have had the COVID-19 vaccine but physicians should remain observant of the possibility and identify symptoms early to treat them appropriately. More than half of patients (52.9%) developed new-onset alopecia areata after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and almost half of patients (47.1%) were presented with relapsed or aggravated alopecia areata. Patients with a history of alopecia areata or thyroid dysfunction are at a higher risk of developing alopecia areata after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Read the article here.

1. AA May Increase Risk of Hypothyroidism, AG Needs Further Investigation

Patients with nonscarring alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia expressed positive causal effects of hypothyroidism, a common thyroid dysfunction defined as elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and a reduction in thyroxine levels. Alopecia areata and hypothyroidism share common pathogenesis, genetic backgrounds, inflammatory processes, and psychiatric comorbidities, according to the research. Additional evidence is necessary to understand the relationship between non-scarring alopecia and hypothyroidism. The integration of thyroid function tests into clinical assessments for patients with alopecia could help achieve further clarity on the relationships between these autoimmune conditions.

Read the article here.