Comparison Between Hemoglobin Serum Level and Serum Ferritin Level in Detecting Low Iron Store in Adult Menstruating Females with Chronic Telogen Effluvium

The study from 12 years ago compared hemoglobin serum level and serum ferritin level in detecting low iron store in 63 adult menstruating females with chronic telogen effluvium, a non-scarring diffuse hair loss. The study included 38 patients with chronic telogen effluvium and 25 healthy volunteers. The results showed that the mean serum ferritin level was significantly lower in the patient group (17.6ng/ml) compared to the control group (41.2ng/ml). However, the mean hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups. The study concluded that there was a statistical association between low serum ferritin and chronic telogen effluvium, and that hemoglobin levels may not accurately reflect the real iron state in patients with this condition. Therefore, serum ferritin level is a better indicator for early detection of low iron store.