Short Anagen Syndrome: A Case Series and Algorithm for Diagnosis

August 2021 in “ Pediatric dermatology ”

Michela Starace, Carlotta Gurioli, Miriam Anna Carpanese, Francesca Bruni, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Annalisa Patrizi, Aurora Alessandrini

short anagen syndrome anagen phase telogen phase biotin minoxidil Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Biotin →

supplement to help with hair texture and quality

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This study concluded that biotin, alone or combined with topical minoxidil, may effectively treat short anagen syndrome in children by enhancing anagen duration.

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

The study on short anagen syndrome (SAS) involved a retrospective review of 25 pediatric patients at the University of Bologna's Dermatology Department. SAS is characterized by a short anagen phase, primarily affecting Caucasian children, and results in an inability to grow long hair. Key diagnostic findings included parental reports of no need for haircuts, conical-shaped hair tips, and a higher percentage of thin hair shafts. The mean anagen-to-telogen ratio was 66:34, compared to the normal 90:10. The study developed a diagnostic algorithm for SAS and found that treatments with biotin alone or combined with topical minoxidil were effective.

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Research cited in this study

17 / 17 results

research Common Causes of Hair Loss: Clinical Manifestations, Trichoscopy, and Therapy

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research Chronic Telogen Effluvium in Egyptian Children: Analysis of Common Risk Factors

2 citations , August 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This analysis from Egyptian researchers identified common risk factors associated with chronic telogen effluvium in children, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Topical and Oral Minoxidil for Hair Disorders in Pediatric Patients: What Do We Know So Far?

12 citations , July 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This review discusses the use of topical and oral minoxidil for pediatric hair disorders, pointing out the lack of guidelines and the potential risks associated with systemic absorption, but reports no clinical results.

research Biotin: Overview of the Treatment of Diseases of Cutaneous Appendages and Hyperseborrhea

5 citations , October 2019 in “Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia”

This review highlights the potential benefits of biotin in treating skin disorders related to biotin deficiency but reports no new clinical results.

Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

research Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

23 citations , September 2019 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

This study analyzed the features of alopecia areata incognita and diffuse alopecia areata, finding distinct patterns in hair loss regions and trichoscopic signs, and noted a benign course responsive to topical steroid therapy.

research Short Anagen Syndrome: Case Series and Literature Review

13 citations , March 2018 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This review describes the clinical characteristics and confirms the diagnosis of short anagen syndrome in the largest reported series to date, comparing it to loose anagen syndrome.

research Clinical, Microscopic, and Ultrastructural Findings in a Case of Short Anagen Syndrome

4 citations , May 2017 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This case report details a 3-year-old girl with short anagen syndrome, characterized by short, sparse hair, where X-ray microanalysis showed her hair's main bioelements were normal.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of biotin for hair and nail growth, noting clinical improvement in cases with existing pathologies, but concludes there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.

research Trichoscopy Findings in Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome: Rectangular Granular Structures and Solitary Yellow Dots

18 citations , March 2015 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

This study identified distinctive trichoscopic features that may aid in diagnosing loose anagen hair syndrome, such as rectangular black granular structures, solitary yellow dots, and a predominance of follicular units with single hairs.

research Short Anagen Syndrome in a Girl with Curly Dark Hair and Consanguineous Parents

5 citations , November 2012 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This case report describes a 3-year-old girl with short hair since birth, showing normal hair density with many vellus and intermediate hairs, and no hair shaft abnormalities.

research Short Anagen Syndrome in an Indian Woman and Its Impact on Quality of Life

2 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This case report describes the first Indian patient diagnosed with short anagen syndrome, detailing the clinical and pathological characteristics of a 30-year-old woman with the condition.

research Short Anagen Syndrome

28 citations , June 2010 in “Pediatric dermatology”

This review discusses short anagen syndrome, highlighting its symptom of abnormally short scalp hair without associated systemic diseases, and notes that hair length often improves spontaneously after puberty without treatment.

research Short Anagen Syndrome in an African American Woman

10 citations , May 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This report presents a rare case of short anagen syndrome in a 38-year-old African American woman, expanding the documented demographic beyond previously reported Caucasian individuals with fine blond hair.

research Practical Guidelines for Evaluation of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome

46 citations , October 2009 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that loose anagen hair syndrome is a common form of alopecia in young girls, typically presenting with thin, sparse hair and usually confirmed by a hair-pull test.

research Familial Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Ultrastructural Hair Study and Response to Biotin

49 citations , April 2007 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This study describes a family with uncombable hair syndrome, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance, and reports that oral biotin improved hair appearance in two young patients.

research Short Anagen Syndrome

37 citations , July 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of short anagen syndrome in a child and suggests diagnostic methods like clinical examination and scalp hair growth rate measurement, without reporting new clinical results.

research Congenital Hypotrichosis Due to Short Anagen Phase

42 citations , September 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This report describes two children with congenital hypotrichosis and found their short hair is due to a shortened anagen phase, with the condition resolving spontaneously during puberty.