Cardiovascular Risk and Systemic Inflammation in Alopecia Areata: An Observational Case-Control Study

This observational case-control study investigated cardiovascular risk (CVR) and systemic inflammation in 72 participants, including 36 patients with alopecia areata (AA) and 36 healthy controls. The study found that patients with AA had higher systolic blood pressure, elevated systemic inflammation markers, and lower vitamin D levels compared to controls. However, there was no difference in diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, or metabolic profile between the groups. Importantly, no association was found between CVR and systemic inflammation, nor were these factors linked to the severity, duration, or treatment of AA. Despite similar CVR profiles to healthy controls, patients with AA exhibited increased systemic inflammation, which was not related to disease severity.