Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasingly becoming one of the most important health challenges , especially among women, as they bear long-term consequences such as infertility and cervical cancer owing to STIs. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and misconceptions of Saudi women about STIs.
<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Female pattern hair loss is a problematic condition. The availability of a rapid indicator is crucial. The current study compared female pattern hair loss patients with healthy controls regarding hematological parameters and vitamin D levels.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We included 78 females with female pattern hair loss and 50 healthy subjects in the control group. We collected a detailed medical history and performed a systematic clinical examination. Blood samples were collected including complete blood count, serum ferritin, and vitamin D.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A significant increase in positive family history and acne among the study than the control group. Most patients had mild disease (55.1%). Female pattern hair loss was significantly associated with a reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, serum ferritin and serum vitamin D. Among the patient’s group, the disease severity was positively correlated with disease duration and patient age. The correlation with duration was moderate (r=0.366). The disease duration was positively correlated with body mass index and negatively correlated with red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red cell indices, ferritin and vitamin D. Disease duration was also inversely correlated with vitamin D levels.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Family history, body mass index, acne, hirsutism and irregular period were high among Saudi women. The disease was moderately severe. FPHL was associated with a significant reduction in hematological parameters and lower serum ferritin that indicated iron deficiency could play a crucial role in the development or progression of the disease. As a preventable etiology, restoring iron stores may provide at least an adjunct therapeutic option.</p>
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