THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA AND SERUM VITAMIN D3 LEVEL

Karina Akabati*, Jamal Khaddam and Faisal Radwan

ABSTRACT

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is a common dermatological condition that can significantly affect patients' quality of life. A potential role of serum vitamin D3 levels in various hair disorders has been proposed, which may pave the way for expanded therapeutic options. Aim: To investigate the relationship between androgenetic alopecia and serum vitamin D3 levels, and the correlation of these levels with each of the following: age, sex, age of onset, duration of alopecia, and alopecia severity. Materials and Methods: This study (case – control study) was conducted in the dermatology clinic at Latakia University Hospital, Syria. It included 50 patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia and 50 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. Serum vitamin D3 levels were measured in both cases and controls. The severity of androgenetic alopecia was assessed using the Hamilton-Norwood scale for males and the Ludwig scale for females. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 level in patients was 28.38 ng/mL, compared to 32.84 ng/mL in the control group (p-value = 0.002). A deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D3 was observed in 60% of the cases compared to 40% of the controls (p-value = 0.03). The mean serum vitamin D3 level was significantly lower in patients with a disease duration of less than or equal to 10 years (p-value = 0.001). A significant decrease in vitamin D3 levels was also observed with increased severity of alopecia in both males and females (p-value less than 0.05). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D3 levels and sex, age, age of onset, or duration of alopecia within the cases group (p-value more than 0.05). Conclusion: A relationship was observed between low serum vitamin D3 levels (deficiency or insufficiency) and the presence of androgenetic alopecia. In addition, a correlation was found between these decreased levels and both the duration and severity of alopecia.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia, vitamin D3.