Assessment of selective elements in serum and hair samples of women with post-COVID-19 alopecia: copper significance

Abstract

Hair loss is an unexpected but fairly common complication after recovering from COVID-19. Often, it is the only symptom of infection. Trace elements and metals play an important role in the pathogenesis of both pathological hair loss and the COVID-19 – however, the existing data on the development of these conditions are fragmentary and contradictory. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of Ca, Fe, Mg, Se, Cu, and Zn in the serum and hair of women with post-COVID alopecia and their relationship with trichogram data. The study included 40 women aged 25–41 with complaints of hair loss and a history of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in serum and hair samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study showed the development of telogen-type alopecia after recovering from COVID-19. The significant decrease in serum Cu levels was characteristic of post-COVID alopecia, however, no correlation with trichological data was found. In hair, the levels of analyzed trace elements were within reference values. A negative correlation between hair Cu and percent of telogen hairs, and a positive correlation with the anagen hairs in the occipital region were found. This study presents, for the first time, evidence of Cu deficiency in cases of post-COVID-19 alopecia. this fact sets the stage for exploring the potential use of Cu in recommended doses for preventing and treating post-COVID-19 alopecia.