Hair Mass Index Obtained by Cross-Section Trichometry: An Objective and Clinically Useful Parameter to Quantify Hair in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

The study evaluated the efficacy of using the hair mass index (HMI) obtained by cross-section trichometry (CST) to quantify hair in patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Ten chemotherapy patients were measured, and their hair loss was assessed using CST, WHO grade, VAS score, and the need for wigs or head covers. Hair loss ranged from 13% to 82%, with 50% of patients needing wigs or head covers. The study found that CST for HMI measurement was a precise method for assessing hair loss, more so than non-mechanical methods. Marking the measurement site on the scalp was deemed necessary only when minor changes in hair quantity were expected.