Prevalence of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases and Mental Health Conditions Among an Alopecia Areata Cohort from a US Administrative Claims Database

June 2023 in “ Journal of Dermatology ”

Prethibha George, Oladayo Jagun, Qing Liu, Charles Wentworth, Lynne Napatalung, Robert Wolk, Susan D. Anway, Samuel H. Zwillich

alopecia areata autoimmune diseases inflammatory diseases allergic rhinitis asthma atopic dermatitis anxiety major depressive disorder AA

TLDR People with Alopecia Areata are more likely to have autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The study examined 8,784 patients with Alopecia Areata (AA) and 26,352 without, finding a higher prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and mental health conditions in the AA group. The prevalence and incidence rate of AA were 54.9 per 100,000 persons and 17.5 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The most common autoimmune and inflammatory diseases were allergic rhinitis (24.0%), asthma (12.8%), and atopic dermatitis (8.3%). Anxiety (30.7%) and major depressive disorder (17.5%) were more prevalent in the AA group. The study suggests that the pathophysiology of AA may increase the risk of other autoimmune, inflammatory, or mental health conditions, emphasizing the need for appropriate screening upon AA diagnosis and periodically after for earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

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research Epidemiological Trends in Alopecia Areata at the Global, Regional, and National Levels

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Cases of alopecia areata and its impact on life quality rose globally, but when adjusted for age, the rates decreased, especially in poorer regions.

research The Associated Burden of Mental Health Conditions in Alopecia Areata: A Population-Based Study in UK Primary Care

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People with alopecia areata have a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and often face unemployment and work absences.

research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

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Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

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134 citations , August 2020 in “Experimental dermatology”

Hair follicles are normally protected from the immune system, but when this protection fails, it can cause hair loss in alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

57 citations , July 2019 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata involves immune system imbalances that may lead to depression and anxiety.

research Alopecia Areata: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 104 Patients

29 citations , April 2019 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Older age at onset of alopecia areata leads to less severe and shorter episodes, with most patients experiencing significant hair regrowth.

research Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

100 citations , February 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have other health issues like skin diseases, metabolic syndrome, stomach infections, lupus, anemia, thyroid problems, mental health issues, vitamin D deficiency, and hearing and eye problems.

research Review of Treatment for Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis

44 citations , April 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

No treatment is completely effective for alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.

research Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

95 citations , October 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata, a skin disease, generally have a poor quality of life, especially if more of their scalp is affected.

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

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

Alopecia areata can be reversed by JAK inhibitors, promoting hair regrowth.

research Overview of Alopecia Areata

110 citations , December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

Alopecia areata is a genetic and immune-related hair loss condition that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases and does not typically cause permanent damage to hair follicles.

research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

421 citations , April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.