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Increased prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients with new onset alopecia areata
Author(s) -
Lyakhovitsky Anna,
Shemer Avner,
Amichai Boaz
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/ajd.12178
Subject(s) - alopecia areata , medicine , euthyroid , thyroid function , thyroid , thyroid function tests , anti thyroid autoantibodies , subclinical infection , thyroid peroxidase , thyroiditis , dermatology , gastroenterology , endocrinology , antibody , immunology , autoantibody
Background Several studies have revealed a high prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients with alopecia areata. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid function abnormalities and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies in patients with new onset alopecia areata on their first visit to a community dermatology clinic. Methods The study included 78 patients with new onset alopecia areata who visited a community dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Every patient underwent a complete medical history, physical examination and laboratory testing consisting of thyroid function tests (serum levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone) and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies (thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies). Results The 78 patients included 46 (59%) men and 32 (41%) women, with 1.44 male : female ratio and mean age of 32.7 +/− 3.09 years. Abnormal thyroid function and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies were detected in 19 (24%) patients. Of these, 12 (15%) patients were diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, one (1%) with an overt hypothyroidism, one (1%) with an overt hyperthyroidism and four (5%) with euthyroid H ashimoto's thyroiditis. Conclusion The study revealed a significant association between alopecia areata and thyroid abnormalities. Screening for thyroid function and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies is advised in alopecia areata.