Muhammad Fahim, Hina Khoso, Akhtar Hussain, Rabeeka Bakhtiar.
Deficiency in alopecia areata and responsiveness to vitamin D analogues: a prospective trial.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;33(4):1242-8.

ABSTRACT   Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is a disease presenting as non-scarring hair loss mostly involving the scalp. It can affect patient of any age but young females are commonly involved. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms include immune dysregulation and hormonal disturbances. Various treatment options are available including steroids, vitamin D analogues and other immunosuppressives. Objective: To assess serum Vitamin D status in patients with alopecia areata (AA), its correlation with AA severity and efficacy of vitamin D3 analogues in such patients. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Methodology: a total of 100 patients were selected using non provability consecutive sampling technique. Diagnosis of alopecia areata was confirmed on clinical and dermaoscopic features and severity of alopecia areata score (SAALT) calculated. Serum Vitamin D levels were assed in all patients along with basic demographic data. All patients received topical calcipotriol (0.005%) twice a day for 6 months. Patients were called for monthly follow-up and final SALT score was calculated at the end of 6 months to assess the efficacy.  P-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: There were 100 cases of AA in total. The mean age of was 30.5 ±8.4 with 42% male and 58%females. The mean baseline SALT score was20.7 ± 5.4 and at the end of six months was 9.4 ±3.5s. Out of 100 patients 69 had low serum vit D levels. Topical calcipotriol was effective in overall 71% patients using SALT50 as a measure of efficacy. Conclusion: Serum Vitamin D levels were lower significantly in patients with alopecia areata and vit D3 analogues are effective in improving hair growth in such patients. Key Words:     Alopecia areata, vit D deficiency, calcipotriol, SAALT score   

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