Evidence Based Hair

Season 8, Episode 11 Exploring the Link Between Alopecia Areata and Cardiovascular Disease

Welcome to the final episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast for 2024, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a leading dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into the complex relationship between alopecia areata and cardiovascular risk, exploring recent studies that offer conflicting conclusions.
Dr. Donovan reviews a notable study published in JAD International, which leverages the All of Us Research Program database to investigate whether alopecia areata patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The study reveals intriguing findings, suggesting a potential link with chronic kidney disease and hyperlipidemia, but not with heart disease.
As the podcast unfolds, Dr. Donovan discusses the broader implications of these findings, the need for long-term studies, and the ongoing debate in the medical community. He also invites listeners to a special event celebrating the top 20 studies of 2024.
Join Dr. Donovan as he navigates through the complexities of hair loss research, empowering practitioners and patients alike with evidence-based insights. For more information on the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.
 
 
STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Ambika Nohria, Jill T Shah, Deesha Desai, Lina Alhanshali, Jenne Ingrassia, Alisa Femia, Michael Garshick, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen I Lo Sicco. Alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities: A cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us research program. JAAD Int. 2024 Apr 8:16:46-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.024. eCollection 2024 Sep.
 
Lee et al. Alopecia areata is not a risk factor for heart diseases: A 10-year retrospective cohort study. PLoS One. 2021.Conic RRZ et al. Prevalence of cardiac and metabolic diseases among patients with alopecia areata. JEADV 2021
 

Season 8, Episode 10. Unveiling New Treatments for Dissecting Cellulitis: A Closer Look at Upadacitinib

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores a groundbreaking study published in the journal Curious, highlighting the effectiveness of the JAK1 inhibitor, upadacitinib, in treating recalcitrant dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
Dissecting cellulitis, a challenging form of scarring alopecia, often affects males and presents with debilitating symptoms. While traditional treatments like isotretinoin and antibiotics offer relief for some, they aren't always effective. The study discusses a case where upadacitinib brought significant improvement after conventional options were exhausted.
Dr. Donovan provides a comprehensive overview of the study, emphasizing the potential of JAK inhibitors as third-line treatments in managing persistent dissecting cellulitis. He also shares insights on the broader implications for future research and treatment strategies.
Join Dr. Donovan next week for an analysis of a study on alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities, and don't miss the annual "Top 20 of 2024" event on December 30th. For more information about the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.
 
 
STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Zahidul Islam, Michelle Toker, Isha M Gandhi, Ariel Sher, Kristina Campto. Improvement of Recalcitrant Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp After a Trial of Upadacitinib. Cureus . 2024 Jan 16;16(1):e52377. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52377. eCollection 2024 Jan.  

Season 8, Episode 9: Dupilumab: A Promising Treatment for Pediatric Alopecia Areata

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into an intriguing study titled "Dupilumab Induces Hair Regrowth in Pediatric Alopecia Areata," which explores the potential of dupilumab as a treatment for children suffering from both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis.
Dr. Donovan discusses the study's findings, highlighting how dupilumab has shown promise in improving hair growth in this unique patient population. With a good safety profile, dupilumab emerges as a viable option alongside JAK inhibitors for managing these conditions. The episode also covers the study's methodology and results, emphasizing the significant reduction in SALT scores among the participants.
Join Dr. Donovan as he shares insights into the complexities of treating pediatric alopecia areata and the potential of dupilumab to offer new hope for patients and clinicians alike. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore the use of upadacitinib in managing dissecting cellulitis.
 
 
STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Eden David, Neda Shokrian, Ester Del Duca, Marguerite Meariman, Jacob Glickman, Sabrina Ghalili, Seungyeon Jung, Kathryn Tan, Benjamin Ungar, Emma Guttman-Yassky. Dupilumab induces hair regrowth in pediatric alopecia areata: a real-world, single-center observational study. Arch Dermatol Res . 2024 Jul 23;316(7):487. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03225-4.  

Season 8, Episode 8: Exploring Topical Metformin for Treating CCCA

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 practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into an intriguing study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, which examines the use of topical metformin 10% cream in treating Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). This scarring alopecia primarily affects Black women and is often underdiagnosed. The study highlights a case where topical metformin showed promise in hair regrowth for a patient unresponsive to traditional treatments.
Dr. Donovan discusses the potential of topical metformin as a second-line treatment option alongside oral metformin, PRP, and JAK inhibitors, while emphasizing the importance of first-line treatments such as steroid injections and topical steroids. He also addresses the challenges of compounding metformin in various formulations, which can affect its efficacy.
Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore new research on alopecia areata and dupilumab. Join us as we continue to unravel the complexities of hair loss and discover innovative treatments that could benefit patients worldwide.
 
STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
 
Bárbara Vieira Granja et al. Treatment of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia with topical metformin 10% cream: case report and literature review. Int J Dermatol . 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1111/ijd.17345. Online ahead of print

Season 8 Episode 7: Exploring Oral Metformin's Role in Treating CCCA

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 the public and training practitioners in the complex field of hair loss.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study from JAMA Dermatology that examines the effects of low-dose metformin on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). The study reveals intriguing changes in gene expression that could offer new insights into treating this underdiagnosed condition, primarily affecting black women.
Despite the study's small size and retrospective nature, the findings highlight metformin's potential role in modifying pathways related to scarring alopecia and hair growth. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the need for further research to understand metformin's efficacy and optimal dosing for CCCA patients.
Join us next week as Dr. Donovan discusses the use of metformin cream in CCCA, continuing the exploration of innovative treatments in hair loss management. Stay informed and empowered to engage in meaningful discussions with hair loss practitioners.
 
 
STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Aaron Bao et al. Low-Dose Metformin and Profibrotic Signature in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia. JAMA Dermatol . 2024 Sep 4:e243062. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3062. Online ahead of print.  

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.