Serum iron and ferritin levels in alopecia areata

Abstract

Background: Alopecia Areate (AA) is a recurrent non-scarring patchy hair loss of autoimmune origin in a genetically susceptible individual although environmental factors may be contributory. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum iron and ferritin levels in patients with AA. Methods: Fifty patients of AA and 50 age and sex matched control subjects without any hair loss were studied. Results: No significant difference was found in mean hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels in two groups. Serum iron ferritin and hemoglobin levels did not show any significant variations with respect to the extent or duration of the disease, family history, history of atopy, and nail involvement. Conclusion: In our study, the levels of serum iron and ferritin showed no significant changes in AA patients and seems not to play a role in the etiology of AA.