THYMOPENTIN AND ALOPECIA-AREATA

Alopecia areata is a common cause of hair loss which leads to localize d bald areas predominantly on the scalp. Etiological factors are not c lear yet, but it is generally considered as a consequence of an autoim mune process. Histological findings revealed perifollicular infiltrati on of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells. Autoreactive T-cells are r eported to amplify this abnormality by interacting with follicular epi thelium. There is no effective treatment available at the moment. We r eport on a 53-year old climacteric woman who developed a bald lesion o n her scalp spontaneously in november 1995. Alopecia areata was docume nted before and after therapy. Treatment with thymopentin 50 mg subcut aneously was offered successfully for 10 weeks, while continuing hormo ne replacement therapy. Other therapeutical strategies did not proof t o be successful before.