Manjari Annapurna Malladi

Abstract

Introduction: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a form of non scarring diffuse hair loss and hair thinning in a pattern fashion. The role of hyperandrogenemia is not clear in FPHL. An association between iron deficiency and FPHL is also debated. Literature investigating trichoscopic features in this condition are few. Aim: To analyse the clinico laboratory findings in women with pattern baldness and to correlate the trichoscopic parameters in the three forms of FPHL namely Ludwig, Olsen, Hamilton & Norwood. Materials and Methods : This was a prospective case control study. Seventy (70) female patients of age between 18-48 years with pattern baldness and thirty(30) age matched females were included in the study. Trichoscopy was done for all the cases. Laboratory evaluation was done for both cases and controls. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 version. Chi Square and ‘ t ’ tests were used and the results expressed in mean, standard deviation. Results: A statistically significantly difference was observed between the mean values of total testosterone, DHEAS, TSH of cases when compared to controls. The serum ferritin level less than the cut off level of 40 mic.gram/L was seen in 52% of cases and the mea n serum ferritin values of cases is less than that of controls. Hair diameter diversity( 90%), peripilar sign(91.4%) were the most frequent trichoscopic findings. Conclusion: The biochemical findings in our study support the role of hormones, Iron deficiency in the etiology of FPHL. The trichoscopic findings did not differ significantly between the three forms of FPHL. Keywords: Trichoscopic features, Patterns of female Baldness, Case control study.

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