Abstract
Background and Objectives: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a disease with local hair loss that may be associated with other autoimmune diseases including thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia, systemic lupus erythematous, etc. This study aimed at evaluating the results of some serum laboratory tests related to autoimmune disorders in patients with AA.
Materials and Methods: In a prospective descriptive study, 58 patients with AA were evaluated in Tabriz Sina Hospital during a 15-month period. Serum laboratory results (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, C-reactive protein, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar), thyroid tests (TSH, free T4 and T3), as well as serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) and rheumatoid factor were measured.
Results: Thirty three males and twenty five females with the mean age of 30.1±13.4 years were enrolled. Previous history of vitiligo and atopy was positive in 1.7% and 10.3% of the studied population, respectively. Laboratory findings indicative of thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, anemia, positive ANA and positive rheumatoid factor were detected in 8.6%, 6.9%, 8.6%, 22.4% and 15.5% of the patients, respectively.
Conclusion: Comparing with normal population, some underlying autoimmune disorders may be present in patients with AA, especially thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, screening tests might be simple and beneficial.