A CLINICAL AND INVESTIGATORY STUDY OF ALOPECIA AREATA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SYSTEMIC ASSOCIATIONS IN 100 PATIENTS.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. P. Guruprasad,
Department of DVL,
Andhra Medical College,
Visakhapatnam.
E-mail: gppatnala@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition with a worldwide occurrence. It usually presents as patchy, non-scarring hair loss. There is a paucity of clinical data in Indians. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical profile and to know the association with various systemic and dermatological disorders. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on 100 cases of alopecia areata after taking informed consent, over a period of 16 months from December 2012 to April 2014. A detailed history of the patient regarding associated systemic and dermatological disorders and various autoimmune disorders were documented, relevant investigations were done. RESULTS: Incidence of alopecia areata in patients attending dermatology out-patient department was 1.7%. There was slight male preponderance (51%). Most common age group involved was             20-40yrs. (47%). Alopecia areata was higher among low socioeconomic group (62%). Recurrences of AA was noted in 14% of cases. Stress acting as triggering factor in 12%. Pregnancy and postpartum accounted for 4% of cases. Atopic dermatitis was noted in 1%, seborrheic dermatitis was noted in 1%, lichen planus was noted in 2%, psoriasis noted in 1% cases. Average age of onset of alopecia areata in atopics was 7.9 years. Occiput was the most common site accounting for 39.3% of cases. Nail pitting was noted in 7% of cases. In 2 cases 20 nail dystrophy was noted. Patchy type was the most common type of alopecia seen in 73% of patients. As per IKEDAS classification - 71% cases belonged to common type, 18% to atopic type, 5% to pre hypertensive, 6% to autoimmune type. Bronchial asthma was noted in 3%, Diabetes mellitus in 5%, hypothyroidism noted in 12% of cases.

KEYWORDS: Alopecia areata, Autoimmunity, Systemic disorders.