No effects of statins on improvement of alopecia areata: a four year retrospective cohort study in a metropolitan area

Abstract
Background: Statin use is widespread. Statins+/-ezetimibe is thought to promote improvement in alopecia areata,
an autoimmune disease characterized by round patches of non-scarring hair loss.
Objective: To elucidate the relationship between statins and alopecia areata improvement.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 6617 patients with hair disorders who visited a large metropolitan
healthcare system between June 2013 to May 2017. The primary outcome was an improvement in alopecia areata
after exposure to statins using statistical analyses (relative risk, logistic regression).
Results: Best predictors of AA include age and whether patients received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide
injections. Statins are not an independent predictor of AA improvement. Age is a confounding factor for evaluating
the use of statins on improvement of AA.
Limitations: Since this study involves retrospective chart review, the design has limited ability to determine
causality, though this was mitigated by statistical methods.
Conclusions: Our data do not support statins as an effective therapy for alopecia areata.