Etiology, management, and outcomes of pediatric telogen effluvium: A single‐center study in the United States

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a diffuse, rapidly occurring non-scarring alopecia that can be a significant source of distress for patients and caregivers. To date, the disorder has not been extensively studied in a US pediatric patient population. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology, management, and disease course of pediatric TE.Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted at the University of Miami including pediatric medical records from 2009 to 2021 with at least one clinic visit coded with the diagnosis of TE.Results: 76 patients presented with a wide range of age at onset and hair loss duration. 67% of patients (n = 51) had an identified trigger, the most common being emotional stress and acute febrile illness, followed by nutritional deficiencies (specifically iron, ferritin, and vitamin D). Observation was the most common therapeutic approach. Of patients who had a follow-up evaluation (39%), different treatments resulted in similar rates of improvement. Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate the variability in potential TE triggers, physical exam findings, and management in children, similar to what is currently observed and practiced in adult patients. Appropriate work-up for common triggers should be included during the initial visit. Greater evidence-based treatment approaches are needed for pediatric TE.

Noninfectious causes of alopecia in the pediatric population

“…These findings highlight the potential utility and safety of LDOM in pediatric populations. A separate single-center retrospective study examined pediatric telogen effluvium (TE) cases in the United States, aiming to characterize its epidemiology, management, and disease course [15]. A total of 76 patients were analyzed, with identified triggers including emotional stress, acute febrile illness, and nutritional deficiencies.…”

Culprits of Medication-Induced Telogen Effluvium, Part 1

“…1,2 Medication-induced TE is a diffuse nonscarring alopecia that is a reversible reactive process. [3][4][5] Telogen effluvium is clinically apparent as a generalized shedding of scalp hair 1 to 6 months after an inciting cause. 6 The underlying cause of TE may be multifactorial and difficult to identify given the delay between the trigger and the onset of clinically apparent hair loss.…”

“…6 The underlying cause of TE may be multifactorial and difficult to identify given the delay between the trigger and the onset of clinically apparent hair loss. Other known triggers of TE include acute illness, 7,8 nutritional deficiencies, 4,9 and/or major surgery. 10 Each hair follicle independently and sequentially progresses through anagen growth, catagen transition, and telogen resting phases.…”