Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris: Are statins a pathogenic factor?

Abstract

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is characterized by the recession of the frontotemporal hair line constituting a rare form of scarring alopecia that predominantly affects postmenopausal women. Is currently considered a variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP). Objective: To determine the possible statistical association between taking statins and the development of FFA/LPP. Material and methods: A case-control study unpaired was undertaken in the Department of Dermatology at Hospital Clínico Universitario in Valencia (Spain) during a period of 7 years between February 2004 and December 2010 and included 20 patients diagnosed with FFA/LPP along with 22 controls. Results: Of the 20 cases reported, 15 were on statin therapy, having been introduced prior to the development of alopecia in 12 of them. In 12 patients, diagnosis was confirmed histologically. We have seen the stabilization of the disease on drug withdrawal. By statistical analysis was obtained an odds ratio of 2,16 with a confidence interval of 95% (1,58-7,44). Conclusions: According to data from our study and considering its limitations, taking a statin could doubles the risk of developing FFA/LPP, although more studies are needed to support this hypothesis.