Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: December | Volume: 5 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 328-331
Prevalence of Anemia, Iron Deficiency and Abnormal Thyroid Function in Diffuse Hair Loss in Adult Women
S B Shrivastava1, G P Kaushal2
1Consultant Dermatologist and Ex HOD Department of Dermatology Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Rohini, Delhi.
2Incharge Neonatal Division, Department of Paediatrics, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Rohini, Delhi.
Corresponding Author: G P Kaushal
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The exact etiopathogenesis of disorders of diffuse hair loss in adult women is poorly understood. Several studies have revealed a high prevalence of anemia, low serum iron and thyroid disorders in patients with alopecia. The present study is undertaken to critically evaluate these associations
Aims and objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia, low serum iron and thyroid disorders in adult women in the age group of 15 -45 years, presenting with non scarring diffuse hair loss.
Materials and Methods: This was case-control study carried out on patients in the skin OPD of a tertiary-level urban hospital, wherein 200 consecutive women who attended the skin OPD with the complaints of diffuse loss of hair from the scalp. Fifty age matched healthy women were selected as a control group. All patients and control groups underwent laboratory screening including CBC, urine for routine and microscopic examination, serum ferritin and thyroid function screening (TSH).
Results: The number of patients who recorded a serum ferritin label of less than 10 ng/mL (normal range 10–126 ng/mL) were 48 (68.57%), 30 (65.21), 45(63.38%), 1 (100%), nil (%), 6 (55.54%), 130 (65%) and 63 (63%) for FPHL, TE, CTE, AA, Anagen effluvium, CTE / FPHL, Total patients and Control group respectively. The number of patients who recorded a hemoglobin level of less than 12 gm were 22 (31.42)%, in FPHL, 18 (39.13)% in TE, 30 (42.25%) in CTE, 1 (100%) in Anagen effluvium, 4 (36.36%) in CTE / FPHL, 78 (39%) in Total patients and 48(48%) in Control group. Abnormal thyroid functions were recorded in 6 (8.57%), 5 (8.86%), 11 (15.49%), 1 (100%), Nil (0%), Nil 0(%), 23 (11.50%), 4 (4%) cases of FPHL, TE, CME, AA, Anagen effluvium, CTE / FPHL, Total patients and Control group respectively.
Conclusion: There were significant differences between cases and control groups regarding prevalence of abnormal thyroid function (TSH), however no significant difference in prevalence was noted in the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in cases and control groups. Based on our observations, we recommend that all patients coming with alopecia should be screened for abnormal thyroid functions.
Key words: Anemia, iron deficiency, abnormal thyroid function, diffuse hair loss.
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