Traversing the Pathway and Exploring the Link: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study in Alopecia Areata and Its Association with Autoimmune Diseases

April 2025 in “ Apollo Medicine ”

Breethiga Velusamy, Shaik Noushin, G. Mounika, Tirupathi Usha Rani, K Sruthi

alopecia areata autoimmune diseases thyroid abnormalities diabetes mellitus

Studysummary In this observational study, researchers found a significant association between alopecia areata and thyroid abnormalities, though not with diabetes mellitus, highlighting the importance of evaluating and managing these conditions holistically in affected patients.

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This study investigated the association between alopecia areata and autoimmune diseases, focusing on demographic factors and disease severity. Conducted with 102 patients at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Kakatiya Medical College, the study found a significant association between alopecia areata and thyroid abnormalities, while the link with diabetes mellitus was not significant but showed an upward trend with disease severity. The study highlights the importance of evaluating and managing both medical and psychological aspects of patients with alopecia areata, particularly considering the transition from male to female predominance in middle age and the onset of autoimmunity.

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Research cited in this study

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research Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Alopecia Areata

3 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata often presented with multilocular patches, common scalp involvement, and associated conditions like atopic dermatitis; the disease predominantly affected younger individuals.

research Alopecia and Its Association with Coronary Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis

48 citations , October 2014 in “International Journal of Cardiology”

This meta-analysis found that people with alopecia have an increased risk of coronary heart disease and several cardiovascular risk factors compared to those without alopecia.

research Alopecia Areata Is Driven by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Is Reversed by JAK Inhibition

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

This study found that JAK inhibitors promote hair regrowth in both mice and human alopecia areata cases by blocking key immune pathways involved in disease development.

research The Genetic Architecture of Alopecia Areata

23 citations , December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study highlights rapid advances in alopecia areata treatment following the identification of genetic variants associated with increased disease risk, suggesting potential for precision medicine approaches.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update

67 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review discusses the causes, associated conditions, and treatment options for alopecia areata, such as corticosteroids and wigs, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Genome-Wide Association Study in Alopecia Areata Implicates Both Innate and Adaptive Immunity

717 citations , June 2010 in “Nature”

This study identified key genetic regions associated with alopecia areata, highlighting both acquired and innate immune involvement, with a novel link to the upregulation of ULBP ligands in autoimmune disease.

research The Pattern and Profile of Alopecia Areata in Singapore: A Study of 219 Asians

275 citations , November 2002 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that among an Asian population with alopecia areata, commonly first episodes occurred before age 40, with severe cases linked to psychological effects and treatments showing significant regrowth.