Effect of IVIG on the hair regrowth in a common variable immune deficiency patient with alopecia universalis.

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Date
1999-03-14
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Abstract
Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Alopecia universalis (AU), believed to have an autoimmune basis, has been found in 1.6% of patients with CVID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is used in various immunodeficiency disorders including CVID, and benefit has been shown in the therapy of autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with CVID and AU treated with IVIG who experienced significant hair regrowth. An 8-year-old girl with CVID and AU was treated with IVIG 400 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Since her second dose of IVIG, regrowth of eyelashes, eyebrows, body and scalp hair was observed in this patient. At present, about 1 year treat-meant of IVIG, significant hair regrowth is noted with 5-6 cm of scalp hair. We believe that IVIG may be beneficial in the treatment of AU, at least in patients with CVID.
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Published by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand.
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Boonyaleepun S, Boonyaleepun C, Schlactus JL. Effect of IVIG on the hair regrowth in a common variable immune deficiency patient with alopecia universalis. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. 1999 Mar; 17(1): 59-62