Evidence Based Hair

Season 8 Episode 6: Uncovering the Link Between Weight Loss Medications and Hair Loss

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, which explores the potential association between hair loss and the use of popular weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and terzepatide.
Dr. Donovan discusses the methodology and findings of the study, which utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System to analyze reports of alopecia linked to these drugs. The episode highlights the importance of post-marketing research in uncovering side effects not initially apparent in clinical trials.
Join Dr. Donovan as he explains the statistical technique of disproportionality analysis used in the study, and its implications for understanding the potential hair loss risks associated with these medications. The episode also emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the timing, mechanism, and prevalence of hair loss among different patient groups.
Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore the effects of metformin on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, based on a recent study in JAMA Dermatology. Thank you for tuning in and supporting the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, dedicated to advancing education and research in the complex world of hair loss.
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
 
Hannah Godfrey, Zachary Leibovit-Reiben, Patrick Jedlowski, Rebecca Thiede. Alopecia associated with the use of semaglutide and tirzepatide: A disproportionality analysis using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) from 2022 to 2023. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol . 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1111/jdv.20197. Online ahead of print.

Season 8 Episode 5: The Role of Terzepatide in Treating AGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating both the public and hair loss practitioners about the complexities of hair loss.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study from JAAD Case Reports, which explores the potential benefits of the diabetes drug terzepatide for treating androgenetic alopecia. This groundbreaking case report suggests that medications targeting insulin resistance could offer new strategies for hair growth.
Join Dr. Donovan as he breaks down the study, discusses the implications of using GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists for hair loss, and highlights the importance of understanding the metabolic connections to androgenetic alopecia. Discover how these findings could pave the way for novel treatment approaches and what it means for patients worldwide.
Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, or someone affected by hair loss, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the future of hair loss treatment. Tune in to learn more about the potential of terzepatide and similar medications in addressing hair loss challenges.
 
 
STUDY REFERENCED
Gordon E, Musleh S,  Bordone LA. Treatment of insulin resistance with tirzepatide leading to improvement of hair loss. JAAD Case Rep . 2024 Jun 11:50:123-125. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.06.001. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Season 8, Episode 4: Unveiling the Risks: Steroid Injections and Vision Complications in Hair Loss Treatment

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into a crucial study exploring the unexpected side effects of steroid injections used in treating alopecia areata, particularly focusing on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This condition, characterized by fluid accumulation beneath the retina, can lead to vision problems and retinal detachment.
Dr. Donovan reviews a compelling paper published in JAAD Case Reports, highlighting two cases where patients developed CSC after receiving steroid injections for hair loss. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing blurry vision as a potential warning sign and the need for immediate consultation with an eye specialist.
Join us as we discuss the implications of this study for hair loss specialists and the necessity of ongoing research to better understand the risks associated with long-term steroid use. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we'll explore the role of tirzepatide in androgenetic hair loss treatment.
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Deesha Desai, Ambika Nohria, Lina Alhanshali, Michael Buontempo, Kristen I Lo Sicco, Craig Fern, Jerry Shapiro. Central serous chorioretinopathy after scalp and eyebrow intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections: Report of two cases. JAAD Case Rep . 2024 Jul 14:51:86-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.06.034. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Season 8, Episode 3. Understanding Alopecia Neoplastica: A Deep Dive into Hair Loss from Metastatic Breast Cancer

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast with Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores a fascinating study from the Brazilian Annals of Dermatology, focusing on the trichoscopic features of alopecia neoplastica caused by breast cancer metastases. Alopecia neoplastica, a type of hair loss linked to neoplastic processes, can sometimes resemble alopecia areata, but presents with distinct trichoscopic patterns. Dr. Donovan discusses the study's findings on the blood vessel patterns and color variations that are key indicators of this condition.
Join us as we delve into the clinical case of a patient with metastatic breast cancer presenting with alopecia neoplastica. Discover the significance of early detection and how trichoscopy can aid in diagnosing and managing this complex form of hair loss.
Tune in next week as we explore the rare side effect of central serous chorioretinopathy from steroid injections, and continue our journey of empowering clinicians and patients through education.
 
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
 
Bruno Simão Dos Santos, Eduardo César Diniz Macêdo, Bruna Nascimento Arruda Scabello, Patrícia Porto de Oliveira Grossi, Neusa Yuriko Sakai Valente. Dermoscopy of neoplastic alopecia secondary to cutaneous metastasis from breast carcinoma. An Bras Dermatol. 2024 Sep-Oct;99(5):742-745. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.

Season 8, Episode 2: Exploring Diphencyprone Use for Alopecia Areata During Pregnancy

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is committed to educating both the public and hair loss practitioners through comprehensive programs like the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship (EBHF).
In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a compelling case report from JAAD Case Reports that explores the use of diphencyprone (DPCP) for treating alopecia areata during pregnancy. Traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy, DPCP is a topical treatment that induces an allergic reaction on the scalp to promote hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata. Dr. Donovan discusses a unique case where a patient opted to continue DPCP treatment during her pregnancies, resulting in minimal hair loss without any adverse effects on her pregnancies or babies.
Dr. Donovan emphasizes the significance of this study in contributing to the limited data available on DPCP use during pregnancy. While the findings are promising, he cautions that more research is needed before making broad recommendations for DPCP use during pregnancy.
Join Dr. Donovan next week too as he explores the trichoscopy of alopecia neoplastica from breast cancer in another enlightening episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions about hair loss treatment and research.
 
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
Desai DD et al. Use of diphenylcyclopropenone for alopecia areata treatment during pregnancy. JAAD Case Rep. 2024 Apr 19:48:88-89.
Berth-Jones et al. Diphencyprone is not detectable in serum or urine following topical application. Acta Derm Venerol 1994; 74: 312-3.

Season 8, Episode 1: Navigating JAK Inhibitors and Pregnancy: Insights and Implications

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating both the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs like the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into the critical topic of JAK inhibitors and their safety during pregnancy. He explores a pivotal study published in Drug Safety that examines pregnancy outcomes in patients treated with Upadacitinib, a JAK inhibitor used for various inflammatory disorders, including alopecia areata.
The episode provides an in-depth analysis of data from clinical trials and post-marketing reports, highlighting the impact of JAK inhibitors on pregnancy outcomes, such as congenital anomalies and live births. Dr. Donovan discusses the importance of understanding the safety of these medications in pregnancy and emphasizes the need for more research in this area.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of managing hair loss treatments during pregnancy and the challenges faced by patients and clinicians alike. Dr. Donovan also shares promising findings and case studies involving other JAK inhibitors, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions in this field.
Join us for this informative episode as Dr. Donovan addresses a pressing concern in the world of hair loss and pregnancy, providing expert analysis and guidance for both practitioners and patients.
 
 
REFERENCES
Uma Mahadevan et al. Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Treated with Upadacitinib: Analysis of Data from Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Reports. Drug Saf . 2024 Oct;47(10):1039-1049. doi: 10.1007/s40264-024-01454-0. Epub 2024 Jul 15.
 
Megan E B Clowse et al. Pregnancy Outcomes in the Tofacitinib Safety Databases for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis. Drug Saf . 2016 Aug;39(8):755-62. doi: 10.1007/s40264-016-0431-z.
 
Mahadevan U et al. Outcomes of Pregnancies With Maternal/Paternal Exposure in the Tofacitinib Safety Databases for Ulcerative Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Nov 29;24(12):2494-2500. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izy160.

Season 8 Preview

Welcome back to Season 8 of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast! I'm Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist. Join me each week as I review groundbreaking studies that are transforming our understanding of hair loss and influencing clinical practices.
This season, we'll delve into a variety of compelling topics including hair loss medications during pregnancy, JAK inhibitors like upadacitinib and baricitinib, and the use of terzepatide and metformin. We'll also explore conditions such as alopecia areata, androgenetic hair loss, CCCA, and dissecting cellulitis, and discuss their links to heart disease, thyroid disease, and breast cancer.
Episodes will be released every Monday, and you can also find video presentations on our Donovan Medical YouTube channel. Thank you for your continued interest, and we look forward to another exciting season!

Season 7, Ep 10: Topical JAK Inhibitors: How well do they work for FFA/LPP?

Welcome back to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast! This episode continues our June theme on JAK inhibitors, focusing on their topical use for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP).
We'll delve into a groundbreaking study by Dr. Maryanne Senna and colleagues from Boston, examining the effectiveness and side effects of topical 2% tofacitinib for FFA and LPP. The study's results provide encouraging data, showing that about 31.6% of patients experienced improvement, and 60.5% saw disease stabilization.
Join us as we explore the potential of topical JAK inhibitors in managing scarring alopecia, their practical applications, and the implications for future treatment protocols. Don't miss our insightful discussion on this emerging therapy and how it could transform patient care.
Next month, we'll shift gears to discuss spironolactone and its role in treating androgenetic hair loss in women. Stay tuned!
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Li-Chi Chen, Chino Ogbutor, Kristen J Kelley, Maryanne M Senna. Topical tofacitinib for patients with lichen planopilaris and/or frontal fibrosing alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Jun;90(6):1260-1262. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.01.060. Epub 2024 Feb 2.
 
Yang C.C., Khanna T., Sallee B., Christiano A.M., Bordone L.A.: Tofacitinib for the treatment of lichen planopilaris: a case series. Dermatol Ther 2018; 31:
 
Moussa A., Bhoyrul B., Asfour L., Kazmi A., Eisman S., Sinclair R.D.: Treatment of lichen planopilaris with baricitinib: a retrospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 87: pp. 663-666.
 
Plante J., Eason C., Snyder A., Elston D.: Tofacitinib in the treatment of lichen planopilaris: a retrospective review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83: pp. 1487-1489.

Season 7, Episode 9: Exploring Topical JAK Inhibitors for Scarring Alopecia

Welcome back to another episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast.   This week, we continue our June theme of JAK inhibitors, focusing on the use of topical JAK inhibitors for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP).
In this episode, we delve into a significant study by Dr. Maryanne Senna and colleagues from Boston, exploring the effectiveness and side effects of topical 2% tofacitinib for LPP and FFA. The study, involving 41 patients, provides valuable statistics on improvement and stabilization rates, offering practical insights for clinical application.
We discuss the potential of topical JAK inhibitors, given their less systemic absorption compared to oral forms, and their specific relevance to scarring alopecia where inflammation is closer to the skin's surface. Despite some challenges with compounded topical formulations, the study's promising results highlight a third of patients showing improvement and over 60% achieving disease stabilization.
Join us as we wrap up our June series on JAK inhibitors and prepare for July, where we'll focus on the antiandrogen spironolactone and its use in androgenetic hair loss in women.
 
Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to our next discussion on the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast.
 
STUDY REFERENCED
Li-Chi Chen, Chino Ogbutor, Kristen J Kelley, Maryanne M Senna. Topical tofacitinib for patients with lichen planopilaris and/or frontal fibrosing alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Jun;90(6):1260-1262. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.01.060. Epub 2024 Feb 2.

Season 7, Episode 9: Baricitinib for Pediatric Alopecia Areata: Promising Results and Future Directions

Welcome to another episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into an insightful study by Zhao and colleagues, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, titled "Baricitinib Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata."
This episode continues the June series dedicated to JAK inhibitors. Dr. Donovan highlights the increasing global use of these medications for treating severe alopecia areata, including the recent approvals of baricitinib and ritlicitinib.
The featured study examines the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in treating children with severe alopecia areata, focusing on a small group of 10 patients aged between under two years to 13 years. The results reveal promising regrowth and mild side effects, underscoring the potential of baricitinib for younger patients.
Dr. Donovan discusses the broader implications of these findings, including the likelihood of future approvals for younger age groups and the importance of long-term safety data. He emphasizes the need for ongoing research and real-world studies to better understand the prolonged effects of JAK inhibitors.
Join Dr. Donovan next week for the final episode of the June series, where he will explore a study on the use of topical tofacitinib for treating lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.