Screening Guidelines for Thyroid Function in Children With Alopecia Areata

October 2017 in “ JAMA dermatology ”

Deepa Patel, Ping Li, Andrew J. Bauer, Leslie Castelo‐Soccio

alopecia areata thyroid dysfunction thyroid abnormalities thyroid function tests Down syndrome atopy family history of thyroid disease AA thyroid issues

TLDR Children with alopecia areata should only have thyroid screening if they have Down syndrome, a history of atopy, family history of thyroid disease, or signs of thyroid problems.

The document discussed the importance of screening for thyroid dysfunction in children with alopecia areata (AA), noting a higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities in these patients compared to the general population. A retrospective review of 298 children with AA found significant associations between thyroid abnormalities and a history of Down syndrome, atopy, and family history of thyroid disease. The study recommended regular thyroid function tests for early detection and management of thyroid issues, particularly in patients with these specific medical histories, to improve health outcomes and potentially mitigate the progression of AA while reducing unnecessary testing and healthcare costs.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

151 citations, February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community I’m 14 years old and I’m losing more hair than my dad. I’ve gone to the doctor 2 times because of this and I’ve received no help. I’m starting to feel like It’s worthless and my hairs gonna look like this forever. I don’t know how anyone could help me but it’s always worth a shot.

in Treatment 4 years ago

A 14 year old who is experiencing hair loss and has not received any help from the doctor, with advice being given to try different doctors, get tested for underlying conditions and intolerances, buzz it short as an option and treatments that could slow down or reverse the hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and addressing the cause of the hair loss.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Please stop looking for a natural way to stop your hairloss

in Chat 247 upvotes 2 years ago

There is no natural way to stop hair loss; pharmaceuticals like minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 are the only effective treatments. Some users report success with minoxidil and microneedling, while others discuss the side effects of finasteride.

community 2.5 years Minoxidil and HRT, CPA->Lupron +Minox 5%

in Transgender 611 upvotes 1 week ago

The user experienced significant hair regrowth after 2.5 years of using Minoxidil 5% and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Lupron, despite initial scalp irritation. Finasteride was ineffective for them.

community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

8 upvotes 8 years ago

A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

community May have been mis-diagnosed for 10 years, self-investigation into AGA + AA Incognita (Defused Shedding)

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 month ago

A 27-year-old male with AGA and diffused thinning has been using oral Minoxidil, Finasteride, Vitamin D, B12, Iron, and Ketoconazole shampoo. Despite a hair transplant and improved blood levels, he continues to experience hair loss and suspects a possible misdiagnosis of Alopecia Areata Incognita.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research A Clinical Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Patients with Thyroid Disorders

2 citations, September 2016 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences”

Thyroid problems are linked to various skin issues, and checking thyroid health is important for people with certain skin conditions.

research Association Between Alopecia Areata and Thyroid Dysfunction

September 2023 in “Medical and Clinical Case Reports”

People with Alopecia Areata often have thyroid problems like Hashimoto thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.

research Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

100 citations, July 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have other health issues like skin diseases, metabolic syndrome, stomach infections, lupus, anemia, thyroid problems, mental health issues, vitamin D deficiency, and hearing and eye problems.

research Acquired Scalp Alopecia: A Review

44 citations, November 1998 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Accurate diagnosis is key for treating different kinds of hair loss, and immune response variations may affect the condition and treatment results.

research Schimmelpenning Syndrome with Didymosis Aplasticosebacea in a One-Month-Old Girl

August 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Older men's scalp damage increases with age and sun exposure, a baby girl in the Philippines has Schimmelpenning syndrome, and thyroid screening is advised for children with hair loss and certain risk factors.