Topical minoxidil therapy for androgenic alopecia in the Middle East. The Middle-Eastern Topical Minoxidil Study Group.

BACKGROUND: A 48-week open label trial was conducted in five Middle-Eastern countries (Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates) to determine the safety and efficacy of 2% minoxidil in the treatment of early androgenic alopecia and to compare the response with Western countries. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five men aged between 19 and 47 years were enrolled. The duration of their baldness varied from 6 months to 10 years, and they all showed a type III vertex or type IV of the modified Hamilton scale. Baldness pattern, diameter of the balding area, hair counting within a 2.5 cm bald patch as well as investigator's and patient's evaluation were regularly noted. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in vital signs or laboratory parameters. Of the 161 patients considered evaluable at 48 weeks, 80% showed moderate to dense growth. The mean increase in nonvellus hair at 12 months was 234. CONCLUSIONS: The age of the patient and the type of baldness rather than its duration affected the final outcome.