Clinical Features and Prognosis of Juvenil Alopecia Areata Patients

Abstract

Objective: Although alopecia areata (AA) affects both adults and children, there is limited information about juvenile AA. In this study the properties of juvenile AA, associated diseases and trigger factors were reviewed. Material ve Methods:We have examined the data of 54 AA patients under 16 years of age. We have re-contacted these patients and evaluated the course of the features of the disease and collected information about triggering factors, starting age, attack number, alopecia type, severity and localization of disease duration, full blood count, biochemistry and thyroid function tests, family history and the prognosis in the following years. Results: We could not detect any significant relationship between the presence of a trigger factor and severity of the clinical picture. Similarly, no relationship between duration of illness, gender, and the trigger factor was found. Seven (12.96%) patients had an underlying endocrinological disease. There was no significant relationship between the severity of clinical condition and the endocrine disease. Sixteen patients (29.6%) had a family history of AA with 1.2. or 3 degree relatives. Conclusion: While disease duration, gender and trigger factors did not have a significant relationship, family history was found to affect clinical severity. Another striking result was the stable severity in the presence of trigger factors. (Turk J Dermatol 2010; 4: 60-5)