Serum ferritin levels in non-scarring alopecia of women: a case-control study

Iron deficiency in the etiology of hair loss has been studied for more than 45 years. However, contradictory reports have been published and almost all the studies conducted so far are based on observational methodology. To find out if any real association exists between the iron deficiency and alopecia. One hundred consecutive, clinically typical female patients [14-54 years] with nonscarring alopecia i.e. alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium and an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Both groups were evaluated for serum ferritin and other important parameters of iron status. Mean serum ferritin value of cases was significantly lower than that of the controls [p=0.005]. Patients with alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia had significantly lower values of serum ferritin [p=0.011 and 0.015, respectively], but there was no significant difference in telogen effluvium cases and controls [p=0.348]. The values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH and transferring-saturation were significantly lower in cases but had significantly higher TIBC values than controls. There is a definite association of decreased serum ferritin levels and nonscarring alopecia in women. The iron stores of female patients with nonscarring alopecias should be built for the optimum response to treatment as the proposed triggering factor can be abolished

Serum zinc levels in patients with alopecia areata: a case-control study

The etiology of alopecia areata is not clear, but a possible autoimmune cause has been suggested. Serum zinc levels in alopecia areata has been studied, but the reported results were discordant. The aim of this study was to measure the serum zinc levels of the patients with alopecia areata and to compare it with those of the control group. In this case-control study, 46 alopecia areata patients admitted to the skin clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences in Ahwaz and 33 sex and age matched individuals were studied. The serum zinc levels of both groups were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry and the results were compared. The mean +/- SD serum zinc level was 873 +/- 154.9 micg/l and in alopecia areata patients 831.8 +/- 155.8 micg/l in control group[P>0.05]. No difference was observed between the serum zinc levels of patients with alopecia areata and controls. More studies for evaluation of a possible relationship between serum zinc levels and alopecia areata is recommended