Resumo

Objectives: This study aims to measure the Minoxidil Response Test (MRT), within a cohort of individuals diagnosed with Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), and Telogen Effluvium (TE). Introduction: Topical Minoxidil is a FDA approved topical treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) and off label for other non-scarring alopecia’s including telogen effluvium. It is a prodrug and must be activated to minoxidil sulfate, by the sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) enzyme present in hair follicles. Only about 30 to 40% of the general population has been reported to be responsive to minoxidil due to varied SULT1A1 activity. The Minoxidil Response Test (MRT) assesses this SULT1A1 activity, offering a method to predict a patient's likely response to treatment. It is therefore, emerging as a valuable t Materials / method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients (20 patients with MPHL, 17 with FPHL, and 13 with TE), presenting with non-scarring alopecia at Dermatology OPD of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. SULT1A1 enzyme activity was measured in plucked hair follicle as either positive or negative by recording color change of the kit. Results: 69.5% of MPHL patients, 90% of FPHL patients, and 75% of TE patients were identified as likely responders. The overall predicted response rate for the entire cohort was calculated to be 77.9%. These findings suggest a strong potential for Minoxidil effectiveness in this cohort, particularly among those with FPHL. Conclusion: MRT offers valuable pre-treatment assessment to predict the outcome with Minoxidil therapy for non-scarring alopecia. The elevated predicted response rates, highlights the potential utility of Minoxidil in our demographic profile. However, individualised treatment of every patient would be beneficial on the long run. Further research is necessary to correlate these predictive test results with actual long-term clinical responses.