Loose Anagen Hair as a Cause of Hereditary Hair Loss in Children

The document from 1992 discusses Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome, a hereditary condition leading to hair loss in children, where hair can be easily pulled from the scalp. The study involved 14 patients, mainly female, and suggested an autosomal dominant inheritance. It revealed abnormalities in hair follicles, such as disadhesion and premature keratinization, indicating possible issues with intercellular signaling or desmosomal components. The syndrome is marked by alternating periods of normal and impaired hair growth and has been previously misdiagnosed as other conditions. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the syndrome's causes and recommends examining plucked hair for accurate diagnosis.