Correlation between serum ferritin and severity of alopecia areata

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Original Article

Author Details : Yogesh Devaraj*, T H Bijayanti Devi, Romita Bachaspatimayum

Volume : 5, Issue : 4, Year : 2019

Article Page : 336-339

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijced.2019.070

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Abstract

Introduction: Alopecia areata is a common cause of patchy hair loss. It is an autoimmune disorder
with unpredictable course. Total body iron store is an integral factor in the development of hair follicle.
Numerous studies have been done to find the relationship between serum ferritin and alopecia areata with
contradictory findings.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dermatology Outpatient Department
in a tertiary care hospital. All new cases of alopecia areata, aged 1 to 60 years were included. A detailed
history was taken and clinical examination conducted. Serum Ferritin of all patients was measured. Clinical
severity of alopecia areata was assessed and compared with the ferritin levels. Analysis of data was done
by SPSS software, version 16.0.
Results: A total of 36 patients including 23 males and 13 females were studied. Mild AA was seen in 11
patients including 6 males and 5 females. Moderate AA was seen in 25 patients including 17 males and 8
females. The mean serum ferritin in males with mild AA was 179.4 ng /ml and those with moderate AA
was 125 ng /ml. In females, mean serum ferritin in mild AA was 64.27 ng /ml and in moderate AA it was
46.46 ng/ml.
Conclusion: Our study showed that with increase in severity of AA, there was a decrease in mean serum
ferritin both in males and females. This implies that the severity of AA is influenced by serum ferritin
levels. Since our study did not include controls, no postulates can be made in this regard. Further studies
with larger number of subjects are essential to know the exact role of ferritin in alopecia areata and its
severity.

Keywords: Alopecia areata, Serum ferritin, Autoimmunity, Non cicatricial, Severity.

How to cite : Devaraj Y, Devi T H B, Bachaspatimayum R, Correlation between serum ferritin and severity of alopecia areata. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol 2019;5(4):336-339

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