ABSTRACT
Hypertrichosis is a common side effect of topical minoxidil and has been reported to occur mainly close to the areas of application. In this paper, we present a case of a 26-year-old woman who developed generalized hypertrichosis 8 weeks after treatment with 5% topical minoxidil solution for alopecia areata. Generalized hypertrichosis is a rare side effect and has been described mainly in children and adolescents. Even though minoxidil is commonly prescribed for alopecia areata, there is insufficient evidence to support its systematic use and the occurrence of adverse effects should prompt drug interruption. Nonetheless, topical minoxidil has been shown to be a safe medication for adult patients, and we believe that the present case was an isolated one, possibly resulting from the misuse of the drug.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Several investigators have reported an increase in urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP). The aim of this investigation is to analyze the composition and structure of urinary GAGs from a Brazilian patient with RP. DESIGN AND METHODS: The identification and structural analyses of the GAGs were made by electrophoresis and degradation with specific enzymes and identification of their disaccharides products by HPLC chromatography. RESULTS: The disaccharide products formed from RP urinary chondroitin sulfate (CS) by action of chondroitin ABC lyase showed a substantial relative increase of nonsulfated disaccharides with a relative decrease of 6-sulfated disaccharides compared to control subjects. In addition, a significant change of the ratio of CS and heparan sulfate was also observed in the RP patient. CONCLUSION: The RP patient analyzed has shown a structural anomaly of the urinary CS and this may contribute to the diagnosis of this disease.
