ASSESSMENT OF SERUM LEVELS OF ANTIGLIADIN ANTIBODIES (IgG and IgA) IN PATIENTS WITH ALOPECIA AREATA AND THEIR RELATION TO SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

This study assessed serum levels of antigliadin antibodies (IgA and IgG) in 30 patients with alopecia areata (AA) compared to 30 healthy controls. Results showed that antigliadin IgA was positive in 26.7% of AA patients with severe disease, while IgG was positive in all AA patients and 6.7% of controls. There was a significant difference in IgA and IgG levels between patients and controls, with higher values in patients. The study concluded a strong association between antigliadin antibodies and AA severity, recommending serological screening for celiac disease in AA patients due to the high sensitivity and specificity of these antibodies.