Hair Loss in Females After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Predictive Value of Serum Zinc and Iron Levels

The study investigated hair loss in 42 morbidly obese females after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), focusing on the predictive value of serum zinc and iron levels. Hair loss was reported by 41% of participants post-surgery. Significant associations were found between hair loss and both zinc (P = 0.021) and iron levels (P = 0.017), although mean levels were within normal ranges. A combined variable of zinc and iron levels showed a strong association with hair loss (P = 0.013), with a cutoff point of 115 indicating a fourfold increased risk of hair loss. This variable demonstrated high sensitivity (88%) and specificity (84%) in predicting hair loss. Zinc supplementation was effective in stopping hair loss in most cases where levels were below the cutoff.