Hair loss from scalp among women: Does serum levels of iron, cobalamin and folic acid matter?

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Original Article

Author Details : Sandhyalakshmi B N, Preetham Sharanappa*

Volume : 8, Issue : 1, Year : 2022

Article Page : 16-20

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijced.2022.004

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Abstract

Introduction: Hair fall from the scalp is a common complaint by females attending a dermatologist’s out-patient clinic. The most common cause is telogen effluvium and the most common pattern is chronic diffuse non-scarring hair fall from the scalp.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to analyze deficiency status and correlate hemoglobin, ferritin, cobalamin, folic acid in females of reproductive age group.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study was conducted in the DVL department of a tertiary care medical college hospital between 2018-2019. Clinical and demographic data were collected and hemoglobin, ferritin, cobalamin, folic acid levels were investigated.
Results: A total of 85 patients were studied. Mean Hemoglobin was found at 11.92 g/dl and Anemia was recorded at 59.32%. Ferritin levels were lower than normal in 90% of the cases. Folate levels were in the normal range in the majority of our cases. Cobalamin was deficient in 50% of our patients.
Conclusion: Ferritin and cobalamin levels were better indicators than hemoglobin levels alone in assessing chronic nonscarring hair loss from the scalp in females of reproductive age group.
 
Keywords: Chronic nonscarring diffuse hair fall of scalp, Cobalamin, Ferritin

How to cite : Sandhyalakshmi B N, Sharanappa P, Hair loss from scalp among women: Does serum levels of iron, cobalamin and folic acid matter?. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol 2022;8(1):16-20

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