Effect of IVIG on the hair regrowth in a common variable immune deficiency patient with alopecia universalis

Abstract

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Alopecia universalis (AU), believed to have an autoimmune basis, has been found in 1.6% of patients with CVID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is used in various immunodeficiency disorders including CVID, and benefit has been shown in the therapy of autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with CVID and AU treated with IVIG who experienced significant hair regrowth. An 8-year-old girl with CVID and AU was treated with IVIG 400 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Since her second dose of IVIG, regrowth of eyelashes, eyebrows, body and scalp hair was observed in this patient. At present, about 1 year treat-ment of IVIG, significant hair regrowth is noted with 5-6 cm of scalp hair. We believe that IVIG may be beneficial in the treatment of AU, at least in patients with CVID.