COLLAB: A Global Survey of Clinical and Laboratory Assessment in Alopecia Areata by Hair Specialists

May 2025 in “ JEADV Clinical Practice ”

Cathal O’Connor, Aoife Boyle, Leila Asfour, Bevin Bhoyrul, Laita Bokhari, George Cotsarelis, C. Cotter, Brittany G. Craiglow, Lara Cutlar, Rachita Dhurat, Ncoza C. Dlova, Isabella Doche, Jeffrey Donovan, Aaron M. Drucker, Samantha Eisman, Daniel Fernandes Melo, Matthew Harries, Maria Hordinsky, Ahmed Kazmi, Brett King, Antonios G.A. Kolios, Nekma Meah, Paradi Mirmirani, Arash Mostaghimi, Manabu Ohyama, Yuliya Ovcharenko, Rodrigo Pirmez, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Lidia Rudnicka, David Saceda‐Corralo, Jerry Shapiro, Cathryn Sibbald, Rodney Sinclair, Blake R. C. Smith, Michela Starace, Sergio Vañó‐Galván, Wooseok Koh, Katherine York, Ian McDonald, Dmitri Wall

alopecia areata thyroid function complete blood count autoimmune conditions prednisolone methotrexate Janus kinase inhibitors AA JAK inhibitors

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Prednisolone →

Studysummary This study found that laboratory testing practices for alopecia areata vary among international hair experts, with the majority routinely conducting thyroid function and complete blood count tests, yet exhibiting diverse approaches toward testing for other conditions or before prescribing systemic therapy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The global survey of 214 hair specialists on clinical and laboratory assessments in alopecia areata (AA) reveals significant variability in testing practices, often deviating from guidelines that advise against routine laboratory investigations unless there is diagnostic uncertainty. Despite recommendations, many specialists routinely test for thyroid function (73.4%) and complete blood counts (65.9%), with 50.9% testing for autoimmune conditions. The study highlights the need for standardized guidelines to ensure consistent management of AA and underscores the importance of comprehensive screening before systemic therapies, such as prednisolone, methotrexate, and Janus kinase inhibitors, to manage potential treatment risks.

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Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

research British Association of Dermatologists Living Guideline for Managing People with Alopecia Areata 2024

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4 citations , January 2024 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

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research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata

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This study found that patients with severe alopecia areata had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy controls, and a negative correlation between zinc levels and disease severity was observed, suggesting that zinc assessment and supplementation trials may be warranted in this population.

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This continuing medical education article outlines the comprehensive approach needed to diagnose alopecia, emphasizing the importance of a thorough history, scalp and hair examination, and, if necessary, laboratory analysis and biopsy for effective treatment planning.

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227 citations , April 2023 in “The Lancet”

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research Signposts to the Promised Land in Alopecia Areata

September 2022 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that the Severity of Alopecia Tool score does not predict the quality of life in patients with alopecia areata, suggesting patient-reported outcomes better reflect the impact on life quality.

research Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata

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In two phase 3 trials, this study found that oral baricitinib significantly improved hair regrowth compared to placebo in adults with severe alopecia areata after 36 weeks, though longer trials are needed to ascertain its long-term efficacy and safety.

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research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

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research Alopecias in Lupus Erythematosus

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

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research Increased Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

48 citations , April 2018 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that individuals with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels and a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to people without the condition.