Short anagen syndrome: A case series and algorithm for diagnosis

Abstract

Background:The short anagen syndrome (SAS) is a rare idiopathic pediatric disorder characterized by the short duration of the anagen phase. SAS mainly affects Caucasian children. Parents complain of their child's inability to grow long hair.Topical minoxidil may be an effective treatment for SAS; however, a slow spontaneous improvement is typical. Objective: Our aim was to collect data on out cases of SAS and create an algorithm to facilitate diagnosis of SAS. Methods: A retrospective review of 25 patients with SAS was performed within the Dermatology Department of the University of Bologna. We collected data regarding symptoms, pull test, hair card test, trichoscopy, trichogram, treatments, including biotin and minoxidil, and clinical outcome.Results: Characteristic findings included parental reporting that the hair had not required a haircut, hair card test showing hairs with conical-shaped tips, and hair shafts of different diameters, with more 10%-20% of hair shafts less than 60 μm thick on trichoscopy. Trichogram revealed an increased percentage of telogen hair with normal hair shafts and tapering ends. The mean anagen-to-telogen ratio was 66:34 (normal ratio 90:10). Conclusion:We developed an algorithm to facilitate the diagnosis of this rare hair disease using clinical examination and invasive and non-invasive testing to differentiate SAS from other forms of pediatric alopecia. In conclusion, the collected data of the therapy showed that biotin alone or in combination with topical minoxidil is an effective treatment for SAS.

Selected genodermatoses – Status quo and future prospects

“…Although an increasing number of studies on loose anagen syndrome have been published in recent years, the underlying gene defect is not yet known. In this disease, young girls are primarily affected, presenting with fine and brittle hair 21 …”

“…In this disease, young girls are primarily affected, presenting with fine and brittle hair. 21 Despite the increasing number of newly detected gene defects, treatment options for rare hair diseases are currently highly unsatisfying and gene therapeutic strategies are either still in their infancy or remain as visions of the future.…”

Ausgewählte Genodermatosen – Stand der Dinge und Zukunftsaussichten

“…Obwohl in den letzten Jahren immer mehr Studien zum losen Anagenhaar‐Syndrom veröffentlicht worden sind, ist der zugrundeliegende Gendefekt bisher noch nicht bekannt. Bei dieser insbesondere junge Mädchen betreffenden Erkrankung sind die Haare fein und brüchig 21 …”