ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS AND ALOPECIA IN FEMALE

Abstract

Introduction: Diffuse hair loss in women is a very prevalent and difficult condition for dermatologists. Numerous research have looked at the connection between body iron status and various types of hair loss, with largely inconsistent results.

Aim: To evaluate whether chronic hair loss (CTE) in females are associated with decreased iron stores as measured byserum ferritin levels.

Material and methods: In our study, 70 females with CTE and a pattern of hair loss, ranging in age from 15 to 45, were included as a sample. A thorough medical history was obtained, followed by a systemic and dermatological examination. Clinical examination and a hair-pull test were used to diagnose CTE and Female pattern hair loss (FPHL). The Ludwig patterns I–III scale was used to rate the FPHL. Participants in the study had their serum ferritin levels checked as well.

Results: The hair-pull test yielded positive results for all participants with CTE but negative results for all women with FPHL. When the severity of hair loss in FPHL was assessed using Ludwig's scale, it was discovered that 32% (n=30) of participants had Grade III hair loss and 72% (n=40) of patients had Grade II hair loss.

The mean ferritin level for the entire study population was 20.3 g/l. Women with FPHL exhibited mean serum ferritin levels of 33.2 g/l compared to 16.1 g/l for women with CTE. The difference in the values, however, was found to be statistically significant (p 0.05).

Conclusion: We showed that among the study's participants, there is a correlation between ID and hair loss. In order to postulate a quantitative correlation between various etiological factors and hair loss in iron-deficient females, additional scientific research with a bigger sample size are necessary.

Key words: Alopecia, serum ferritin levels, chronic widespread hair loss, and female pattern baldness