Background and Aim: Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair disorder. Trace elements imbalance (like zinc) has been reported as its triggering factor. In this study we compared serum zinc level in alopecia areata patients with normal values.Methods: Twenty-three female and 19 male patients with alopecia areata were recruited and their serum zinc levels were assessed using absorption spectrometery. Chi squared, t and ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Sixteen patients with more extensive and prolonged disease, had serum zinc level lower than normal (70 µg/dL). The means of serum zinc levels in patients and normal population were 81.88 µg/dL and 83.5 µg/dL, respectively. This difference was not significant (P=0.668). The means of serum zinc level in different types of alopecia areata were not significantly different (P>0.05). There was an association between serum zinc level and disease duration (P=0.022).
Conclusion: Patients with more severe forms of alopecia areata had lower serum zinc level than other forms of the disease.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
General Received: 2012/01/4 | Accepted: 2012/03/7 | Published: 2013/07/17