Juvenile versus maturity-onset alopecia areata- a comparative retrospective clinical study

Autor: Arnold P. Oranje, D.M.J. De Raeymaecker, Johanna D.R. Peereboom-Wynia, F. B. de Waard-van der Spek
Rok vydání: 1989
Předmět:
Zdroj: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 14:429-433
ISSN: 1365-2230
0307-6938
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.1989.tb02604.x
Popis: We report a retrospective study of 209 patients presenting with alopecia areata (AA) at our skin department during the period 1969-1987, with special reference to possible associations, aetiological factors and the relevance of additional investigations. The patients were divided into two groups: (I) those in whom AA developed during childhood; (II) those in whom AA developed in adult life (greater than or equal to 16 years). The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a difference between juvenile and maturity-onset AA and to consider the value of additional investigations in AA. Juvenile AA is more severe and has a less favourable prognosis than the maturity-onset disease. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were not found with respect to AA type and prevalence of auto-antibodies. Bad prognostic signs in AA were early age of onset, atopy (or first-degree family history) and ophiasis and/or onychodystrophy. Initial thyroid function testing seems advisable in patients with AA. Additional valuable investigations may include hair-root examination, determination of antibodies against thyroid tissue, and serum zinc levels. There are indications that psychosomatic factors may play a role in AA. In our study, psychosomatic factors were found in 29% of the juvenile AA and in 17% of the maturity-onset AA patients.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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