- J Am Acad Dermatol 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):930-7
Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss.
Leyden J, Dunlap F, Miller B, Winters P, Lebwohl M, Hecker D, Kraus S, Baldwin H,
Shalita A, Draelos Z, Markou M, Thiboutot D, Rapaport M, Kang S, Kelly T, Pariser D,
er G, Hordinsky M, Rietschel R, Katz HI, Terranella L, Best S, Round E, Waldstreicher
J
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
BACKGROUND: Finasteride, a specific inhibitor of type II
5alpha-reductase, decreases serum and scalp dihydrotestosterone and has been shown to be
effective in men with vertex male pattern hair loss.
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- OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of
finasteride 1 mg/day in men with frontal (anterior/mid) scalp hair thinning. METHODS: This
was a 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed by a 1-year open extension.
Efficacy was assessed by hair counts (1 cm2 circular area), patient and investigator
assessments, and global photographic review.
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- RESULTS: There was a significant increase in hair
count in the frontal scalp of finasteride-treated patients (P < .001), as well as
significant improvements in patient, investigator, and global photographic assessments.
Efficacy was maintained or improved throughout the second year of the study. Finasteride
was generally well tolerated.
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- CONCLUSION: In men with hair loss in the
anterior/mid area of the scalp, finasteride 1 mg/day slowed hair loss and increased hair
growth.
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