The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

Background: Low serum level of Vitamin D may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Aims: to evaluate serum vitamin D level in Iraqi women with female pattern hair loss and compare it with normal healthy control.
Settings and Design: A prospective, case–control study was carried out on 190 women: 95 patients with FPHL aged ≥15 years and 95 healthy age-matched control.
Methods and Material: The diagnosis and severity of FPHL were based on clinical examination and using Ludwig classification. All participants were investigated for vitamin D level, alkaline phosphatase, and others. Data were collected and statistically analyzed.
Results: The mean± SD level for vitamin D was significantly lower in FPHL group than control (13.8±2.6 ng/mL vs 37.6±4.7ng/mL, p<0.001). Eighty two patients (86.1%) of FPHL group and 35 (36.9%) of control group had low vitamin D level (p<0.001). Alkaline phosphatase level was significantly elevated in 77of FPHL compared to control group((81% versus 19%, p <0.001). Low vitamin D level was significantly correlated with duration of hair loss , alkaline phosphatase elevation and bone pain.
Conclusions: Women with low serum vitamin D level, would have a high potential for development of FPHL suggesting that vitamin D may have a possible role in the etiopathogenesis of this pattern of hair loss..