Meta-analysis of 308-nm excimer laser therapy for alopecia areata.

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that can result in spontaneous hair loss. Currently, there is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment, however new treatments are being investigated. Excimer laser and excimer lamp treatment have been suggested and have the benefit of mild/few adverse effects.

Methods

A literature search and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the efficacy of the excimer laser and lamp for treatment of AA.

Results

No controlled trials were found which utilized the 308-nm excimer lamp. Four controlled trials (N = 105) testing the efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser were identified. When laser treatment was compared to control measured through the number of responders to treatment, the standardized mean difference was 18.37 (95% CI: 3.28, 102.77) in favor of treatment (p < .0009, I2 = 36%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that use of the 308-nm excimer laser can be effective in AA therapy however more studies are required observing both the 308-nm excimer laser and lamp.