Syed Yousuf Ali

Abstract

Context: Iron deficiency leads to disruption of hair follicle as elemental Iron is involved in various physiological processes within the hair follicle. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate if a correlation exists between decreased serum ferritin levels and the most common causes of diffuse hair fall.’ Setting and Design: This was a cross sectional study conducted at a teaching hospital and research center. Materials and Methods: 60 female patients aged between 15-45 years complaining of diffuse hair loss are taken into consideration. Results: A significant correlation was found between decreased body iron stores (as measured by serum ferritin levels) and diffuse hair loss. 65% of the subjects were found to be in iron deficient state, 20% in iron depleted state, 8.33% with adequate serum ferritin levels but lower than the required for normal hair cycle, and 3.66% with normal ferritin levels. Conclusion: Diffuse hair loss was found to be associated with significantly decreased serum ferritin levels. Keywords: Diffuse hair loss, Serum ferritin, Iron deficiency.

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Abstract

Background: Acne is one of the most commonest dermatological disorders in young patients. 1. It is a disease of the pilosebaceous follicular unit. 2. Endocrine mechanisms control the components of sebocyte function—namely lipid synthesis, proliferation and differentiation. 3. Androgens upregulate the sebaceous glandular function by binding to the nuclear androgen receptors (ARs). Highest density of these androgen receptors have been demonstrated in sebaceous glands. The mechanisms suggested in acne include: Increased circulating levels of androgens, Increased free androgen levels, Increased local metabolism of androgens in skin and increased tissue sensitivity to androgens. Materials and Methods: This case control study was conducted In the department of dermatology, venerology and leprosy, shadan institute of medical sciences, Hyderabad from February 2019-february- 2020. A total of 50 patients (25 males and 25 females) of moderate to severe acne vulgaris resistant to conventional treatment were included in the study A total of 50 patients (25 males and 25 females) of moderate to severe acne vulgaris resistant to conventional treatment were included in the study Inclusion criteria: Age range: 14 to 35 years Exclusion criteria: patients who were receiving any systemic drugs, oral contraceptives or hormonal therapy, pregnant and lactating. 50 age and sex matched healthy acne free subjects were also part of the study. Methods: Venous blood samples were collected for the assay of serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and androstenedione (A4A) between 0800-0900 hours. For testosterone assay three samples were collected at 20 minute intervals and pooled together. Immediately after collection the red cells were separated and the sera were stored at - 20?C till assay. In females, the samples were collected only in the first half of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. All hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay using standard techniques with commercially obtained kits. Result: All patients included in the study had moderate to severe acne. The commonest lesions encountered were pustules and nodules while cysts were present in 10/25 males and 11/25 females. 32/50 patients had acne lesions also on the trunk. The mean duration of acne was 2.6 years (range 1 to 6 years). A history of partial or no response to conventional treatment was present in all the patients. Mild to moderate degree of hirsutism was present in 7/25 female patients; of whom 4 also had oligomenorrhea. No other sign of virilisation was observed in any female patient. In males with acne the mean serum testosterone levels were only marginally elevated but their DHEA-S levels were significantly higher than in controls. Keywords: Acne, Serum testosterone, Dhea-s.

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Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by well defined hypopigmented or depigmented macules due to absence or decrease in melanocytes. Aim: To study the clinico epidemiological pattern of vitiligo in children. Materials and Methods: A group of 50 consecutive children attending out patient in the department of DVL at Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences will be included. All the patients meeting the inclusion criteria were taken into the study. A designed, coded proforma was used for recording all the findings. Results: Almost half of the children taken for study belongs to age group of 9-11 years. Majority of the study population were females. The most common pattern of vitiligo was vitiligo vulgaris. Common site of involvement was lower limbs. The most common associated feature was leukotrichia. The most common associated condition was photosensitivity. Family history was positive in only 4% of cases. Most of them were in the active stage of disease. Conclusion: The female predominance was high in prevalence of vitiligo in children and an earlier age of onset seen among children with family history of vitiligo or autoimmune disorders. Vitiligo vulgaris is the most common presentation, and lower limbs being the most common site of involvement in children. Keywords: Childhood, Vitiligo.

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