Single-center analysis of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia: evidence for hypothyroidism and a good quality of life

Abstract

Objective Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an underestimated scarring alopecia. This study aimed to examine epidemiological information, as well as predilection sites, associated diseases, and responses to therapy of patients with FFA. We also aimed to determine whether the extent or duration of disease correlated with the quality of life (QoL). Methods Twelve outpatients with FFA for > 2 years were analyzed. The Erlanger atopic score and the Functional Assessment of Non-life-threatening Conditions (FANLTC) for QoL-assessment were used as scoring systems. Results All patients were women with a mean age of 70.3 years. Most patients did not have any symptoms during their disease progression and no therapy that was used showed any significant effects. FFA was associated with hypothyroidism. There were no correlations between hairline regression, duration of disease, atopic disposition, and QoL. The overall QoL was good. Conclusions The present study shows that there is no correlation between the extent of FFA and QoL or atopic predisposition. There is a strong correlation between the incidence of thyroid disease and FFA.

Evaluation of the Demographic Characteristics and the Factors Related to Eyebrow Involvement in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective, Cross-sectional, Single Center Study

“…Yet, our study is the first study to examine such a relationship. 3,7,10,14 Furthermore, Starace et al showed that there is no relationship between the disease duration and disease severity. 10 To our knowledge, there are no previous studies regarding the relationship between disease severity and eyebrow involvement.…”

“…Thus, similar to our study, Valesky et al reported that the most commonly reported comorbid diseases were hypothyroidism and hypertension. 14,15 It was suggested to routinely workup of the thyroid hormone levels in patients who have FFA due to this common frequency.…”

Psychosocial burden of frontal fibrosing alopecia: a qualitative interview study

“…Past studies that evaluated the impact of FFA used quantitative measures such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index and indicated only mild disease burden. 4,5 The aetiology of FFA is not well understood, and this was distressing to participants in our study. The amount of money participants in our cohort were willing to pay for a one-time cure was considerably greater than for other chronic dermatological conditions.…”

Recalcitrant lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia responding to tildrakizumab

“…While the etiology remains a mystery, a number of theories have been proposed. One study showed a strong correlation between the incidence of thyroid disease and FFA, particularly hypothyroidism 8 . A genome‐wide association study has revealed four genomic loci: 2p22.2, 6p21.1, 8q24.22, and 15q2.1.…”

“…One study showed a strong correlation between the incidence of thyroid disease and FFA, particularly hypothyroidism. 8 A genome-wide association study has revealed four genomic loci: 2p22.2, 6p21.1, 8q24.22, and 15q2.1. Within the 6p21.1 locus, fine mapping indicated that the association is driven by the HLA-B*07:02 allele.…”