A Clinico-Investigative Study of Alopecia Areata With Special Reference to Its Association With Various Systemic and Dermatological Disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND Alopecia areata is an immunologically mediated disorder characterized by focal to diffuse hair loss. AA is hypothesized to be an organ specific autoimmune disease mediated by T lymphocytes directed against the hair follicles. Although genetic predisposition and environmental factors may trigger the initiation of the disease, the exact cause is still unknown. METHODS 100 clinically diagnosed cases of Alopecia Areata attending DVL department, attached to GGH Kurnool, were studied. A detailed proforma was taken, which included-1) Detailed history including chief complaints related to skin and hair. 2) Complete physical and systemic examination. 3) Relevant investigations were done in patients. A prospective, descriptive study on Alopecia Areata subjects was conducted over a period of 22 months from December 2014 to September 2016, attending the OutPatient Department of DVL, Government General Hospital attached to Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool. RESULTS In the present study the incidence of alopecia areata in patients attending DVL outpatient department is 1.9. CONCLUSIONS In the study period of 22 months, percentage of AA cases observed is 1.9% among all cases attending DVL OPD, GGH, Kurnool. Among study subjects, most common age group affected is 20-40 years. In this study, systemic disorders associated with AA are atopy (12%), thyroid abnormalities (11%), diabetes mellitus (5%), hypertension (2%), dental caries (7%), iron deficiency anaemia (6%), down's syndrome (1%), right maxillary sinusitis (1%), jaundice (1%) and CSOM (1%).