Saurabh Swaroop Gupta; Aneet Mahendra; Sanjeev Gupta; Rohit Singla
Abstract
Background and Aim: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes non-scarring hair loss. Recently, serum vitamin D has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of AA due to its immunoregulatory effects. Its deficiency can cause a loss of selftolerance and predispose individuals to ...
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Background and Aim: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes non-scarring hair loss. Recently, serum vitamin D has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of AA due to its immunoregulatory effects. Its deficiency can cause a loss of selftolerance and predispose individuals to autoimmune diseases. This study compared the serum vitamin D levels between AA cases and controls. We aimed to compare the serum levels of vitamin D between AA patients and age and sex-matched healthy controls and to elucidate any correlation between AA and vitamin D serum levels in terms of disease pattern, severity, and extent.Methods: A case group comprising 25 AA patients and a second group of 25 healthy controls of 10 years of age or older were involved in the study. A detailed history was taken, along with a complete clinical examination. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and compared between the groups.Results: The mean level of vitamin D in cases (17.15 ± 5.01 ng/ ml) was significantly lower as compared to controls (34.58 ± 20.83 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). The duration, pattern, and severity of AA had no significant relationship with patients’ serum vitamin D levels.Conclusion: We demonstrated a statistically significant variation in serum vitamin D between controls and cases, with lower values in patients. Our findings indicate a possible cause-and-effect relationship between low serum vitamin D and AA, which needs further exploration.
Sanjeev Gupta; Ajinkya Gujrathi; Aastha Sharma; sunita Gupta
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for outpatient departments and hospitals to function normally. This has caused many patients to suffer due to a lack of regular follow-ups, with the unchecked progression of their disease further adding to their morbidity. With the advent ...
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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for outpatient departments and hospitals to function normally. This has caused many patients to suffer due to a lack of regular follow-ups, with the unchecked progression of their disease further adding to their morbidity. With the advent of technology, many centers have adopted the practice of teledermatology, which has allowednormal healthcare services to function to a certain extent. However, physical outpatient (private and institutional) clinics have also recently started accepting patients. Precautions like social distancing and sanitization have already been advised by various healthcare bodies but there are a few more general and specific (dermatologic) precautions for patients, staff and physicians that must be highlighted. As we move ahead navigating through these difficult times we must learn to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions and work toward establishing a safe environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.