Non-Scarring Alopecia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence, Pattern, Trichoscopy Features and Histopathological Analysis

January 2024 in “ Pan African Medical Journal ”

Anaba Ehiaghe Lonia, Olaosebikan B. Hakeem, Cole-Adeife Olufolakemi, Olayemi Olubunmi Dawodu, Olufemi Adelowo

non-scarring alopecia systemic lupus erythematosus trichoscopy histopathological analysis decreased hair density broken hairs peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates SLE hair loss

Studysummary This study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and characteristics of hair loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, noting the differences in trichoscopic and histopathologic evaluations between those with and without alopecia. Results are not reported.

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

The study at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital examined non-scarring alopecia in 75 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, finding a 48% prevalence of non-scarring alopecia, with patchy hair loss being the most common pattern. Trichoscopy revealed hair shaft thinning, hypopigmentation, and scalp pigmentary changes, while histopathology showed reduced sebaceous glands and inflammatory changes even in normal-appearing scalp areas. The study concluded that non-scarring alopecia is prevalent in SLE patients and that trichoscopic and histopathologic differences exist between those with and without hair loss, indicating scalp involvement in the inflammatory process of SLE.

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Research cited in this study

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research Nonscarring Alopecia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study with Trichoscopic, Histopathologic, and Immunopathologic Analyses

39 citations , May 2019 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that nonscarring alopecia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may indicate higher disease activity, as evidenced by specific histological and immunofluorescence changes.

research Trichoscopic Signs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparative Study with 109 Patients and 305 Healthy Controls

29 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that trichoscopic examination is useful for diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus, with severe diffuse non-scarring alopecia indicating active disease.

research Alopecias in Lupus Erythematosus

39 citations , October 2018 in “Lupus Science & Medicine”

This article discusses various patterns of hair loss associated with lupus erythematosus, emphasizing the importance of identifying the specific type to aid in classifying systemic lupus erythematosus.

research Trichoscopy of Dark Scalp: A Review of Trichoscopic Features in Hair and Scalp Disorders in Dark-Skinned Individuals

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This review discusses trichoscopic features of hair disorders in individuals with dark skin phototypes and reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize the need for more specific diagnostic criteria for these populations.

research Horizontal and Vertical Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens from Dermatomyositis Patients with Scalp Involvement

16 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that scalp involvement in dermatomyositis consistently shows a nonscarring pattern with chronic telogen effluvium, featuring telangiectasia and mucin deposition as universal histologic markers.

research Non-Scarring Patchy Alopecia in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Differs from That of Alopecia Areata

30 citations , October 2013 in “Lupus”

This study identified distinct clinical and dermatoscopic features to differentiate non-scarring patchy alopecia in SLE from alopecia areata, emphasizing the value of serological tests in diagnosis.

research Autoimmune Disease and Hair Loss

35 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article reviews the impact of different forms of alopecia on patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and reports no new clinical findings; it emphasizes the need for attentive management of alopecia-related symptoms.

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

245 citations , March 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the dermoscopic features of common hair and scalp disorders and reports no new clinical results, aiming to assist dermatologists in diagnosing conditions like tinea capitis and alopecia areata.

research Severe Diffuse Non-Scarring Hair Loss in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical and Histopathological Analysis of Four Cases

15 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, severe diffuse hair loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus was associated with distinct clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features, which improved alongside treatment of the underlying condition.

research Clinical Evaluation of Alopecias Using a Handheld Dermatoscope

66 citations , November 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study concluded that a polarized-light handheld dermatoscope attached to a digital camera is a practical and useful tool for diagnosing different types of alopecia.

research Pinpoint White Dots in the Scalp: Dermoscopic and Histopathologic Correlation

60 citations , September 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Small white dots on the scalp seen with a dermoscope correspond to sweat ducts and vary with different hair disorders.

Cross-Sectional Study of Hair Loss Patterns in 122 Korean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Frequent Finding of Non-Scarring Patch Alopecia

research Cross-Sectional Study of Hair Loss Patterns in 122 Korean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Frequent Finding of Non-Scarring Patch Alopecia

34 citations , June 2007 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed that non-scarring diffuse hair loss was common in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, but did not find a significant relationship with the SLE Disease Activity Index.