Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Digital health solutions, specifically direct-to-consumer platforms, have been touted to make care accessible and convenient for patients. The aim of this article is to evaluate patients' reported reasons for choosing a platform for the treatment of hair loss and their experience. This platform (Keeps) is focused exclusively on the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL) with approved medications such as oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. METHODS:In order to evaluate patients' motivations to choose the platform and their experience, we administered two distinct questionnaires, with a total of 8983 respondents. RESULTS:The results showed that patients on the platform report positive health outcomes at approximately 6 months, as 81% of respondents report hair regrowth or cessation of hair loss, and 91% never or rarely miss their medication. Additionally, the platform is expanding the market through education and awareness, as nearly 1 in 3 new patients, mostly in their 20s and early 30s, had never considered treating their hair loss before learning about this virtual care model. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Such a model provides further insights into how digitally enabled care focused on a chronic condition, backed by quality and evidence-based initiatives, can expand access and improve care for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Female patterned hair loss (FPHL) is a common form of androgenetic alopecia in women and is characterized by a hormonally directed diffuse hair loss on the scalp. Management of FPHL is well described in the literature; however, treatment of FPHL in patients with co-morbid polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrinologic condition found in reproductive-aged women, has not yet been reviewed. Due to the different pathomechanism of the diseases and complexity of FPHL in PCOS patients, this study aimed to review current diagnosis and management approaches for hair loss in PCOS patients specifically and highlight the growing need for more research in this growing patient population.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with variations in distribution, duration, and severity. The disease is chronic and often follows an unpredictable course, frequently leading to stress and anxiety for those who suffer from it. Throughout the years more knowledge has been gained regarding pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, impact on quality of life, as well as treatment strategies for alopecia areata. However, challenges in treating and alleviating the burden of disease remain. In this article, we discuss updates regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of alopecia areata and highlight unmet needs of the condition, including a review of limitations of current treatments, accessibility to management strategies, and the need for disease awareness and advocacy.