ASSOCIATION OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION AMONG PEOPLE WITH ALOPECIA AREATA IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

*Dr. Lisa Jennifer Dsouza, Dr. P. Oudeocoumar, Dr. Damayandhi K., Dr. Jude Dileep, Dr. Rajkiran Takharya and Dr. Ilakkia P. Sadasivam

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common hair loss condition having non-scary patchy hair loss. It frequently occurs in association with autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, lichen planus and others, more common association is seen with thyroid disorders. Aim and Objectives: To find the correlation between Alopecia Areata and thyroid related disorders. To assess the severity and duration of Alopecia Areata in varied age groups of patients visiting the dermatology OPD. To determine the levels of serum T3, T4, TSH and anti-TPO antibodies in patients with Alopecia Areata. Materials and methods: The study population included 100 patients aged between 7 to 70 years with clinically diagnosed AA. Clinical history of AA was taken and blood tested for T3, T4, TSH and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase and Anti thyroglobulin antibodies. T3, T4, TSH, Anti-Thyroid peroxidase and Antithyroglobulin antibody levels were assessed by chemiluminescence immunoassay and association between alopecia areata and thyroid dysfunction was evaluated. Results: The commonest age group was 21-30 yrs (31%) with male preponderance (69%.) Positive family history of AA was noted in 83% cases. Association with other autoimmune disorders was seen in 54%.Patchy type was the commonest (69%) with nail involvement was in 13%. Commonest area was scalp (76%) with parietal region. Three patients (3%) had hypothyroidism as defined by low T3 & T4 levels. None of our patients had deranged TSH levels. Anti TPO antibody positivity was observed in 43% and anti-thyroglobulin antibody positivity in 31 %.No correlation was found between Alopecia Areata and thyroid disorder. Conclusion: Longer follow ups are needed to observe if AA patients develop clinical thyroid dysfunction in the future. Studies involving large sample size with control group and with long term follow up to determine the association between alopecia areata and thyroid dysfunction are required. Thyroid autoantibodies may be detected in euthyroid AA subjects. These should be followed up for early detection of thyroid dysfunction.

Keywords: Alopecia areata, thyroid, autoimmune.