DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i02.022

Pages: 138-141

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may play an important role in immune regulation and hair follicle cycling. Deficiency of vitamin D has been proposed as a potential contributor to the pathogenesis and severity of alopecia areata. Studies in pediatric alopecia areata have reported associations between lower vitamin D levels and greater disease severity. Objective: To evaluate serum vitamin D status and clinical characteristics among pediatric patients with alopecia areata and determine the association between vitamin D levels and disease severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 pediatric patients diagnosed with alopecia areata. Clinical characteristics, disease duration, pattern of hair loss, nail involvement, family history, and laboratory findings including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were analyzed. Disease severity was assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 94 (52.2%) patients. Children with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D levels than those with mild disease. Nail involvement, extensive scalp involvement, and longer disease duration were more common among vitamin D-deficient patients. Multivariate analysis identified vitamin D deficiency, disease duration greater than six months, and nail involvement as independent predictors of severe alopecia areata. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common among pediatric patients with alopecia areata and is associated with increased disease severity. Assessment of vitamin D status may provide additional information regarding disease burden and help identify children requiring closer monitoring. Studies in pediatric populations suggest lower vitamin D levels may be linked to more extensive disease.