Clinical Case of Alopecia Totalis in Pediatric Practice

The document describes a clinical case of an 11-year-old child with total alopecia, a condition where hair loss occurs due to autoimmune responses. The child's hair loss began at 9 months and progressed to total alopecia by age 3. A comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination suggested a potential genetic link, as the child also had atopic dermatitis, immunological status changes, a family history of early mortality, and a father with alopecia areata. These findings led to the suspicion of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED syndrome) with a possible mutation in the AIRE gene. To confirm the diagnosis and determine a treatment plan, further testing, including AIRE gene sequencing and serological tests for Candida antibodies, is required. However, the prognosis for recovery is considered unfavorable. The study was conducted ethically, with parental consent and no conflicts of interest reported.