Biomarkers in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    April 2023 in “ Autoimmunity reviews ”
    Hiba Zaaroura, Anthony J. Gilding, Cathryn Sibbald
    Image of study
    TLDR High levels of IL6 and CRP, and low levels of vitamin D, might be indicators of alopecia areata.
    The systematic review and meta-analysis of 1714 studies, with 91 included, identified biomarkers that reflect the activity and severity of Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune non-scarring alopecia. The study found that serum Interleukin 6 (IL6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly increased in patients with AA compared to healthy age and sex-matched controls. Conversely, serum vitamin D levels are significantly decreased in patients with AA compared to healthy controls. These findings could potentially influence the clinical guidelines for the diagnostic workup of AA to include testing the serum levels of CRP and vitamin D.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    12 / 12 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 2 years ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

      community My scalp punch biopsy results🤔?

      in Female  7 upvotes 1 year ago
      Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.
      [object Object]
      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  828 upvotes 5 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  442 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community TE turned into Scarring hairloss

      in Update  12 upvotes 10 months ago
      The user experienced hair loss due to a crash diet and later developed scarring hair loss. They are now on finasteride, oral minoxidil, LDN, Zyrtec, and Oztela to reduce scalp inflammation and promote hair regrowth.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results