Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Pattern Hair Loss (A Case-Controlled Study)

Abstract

Background: Although androgenetic alopecia affects both males and females, trace elements may play as crucial impact.

Objectives: To evaluate serum zinc in patients with pattern hair loss (PHL) and to compare the findings with normal controls.

Patients and Methods: This study is a cross sectional observational case control study conducted at outpatient clinic of Dermatology,  Andrology and STDs Department, Mansoura University hospital in the period between May 2022 and May 2023. The study included 100  subjects, divided into two groups: the first consisted of 50 patients (Male and female) with pattern hair loss and the second was 50  subjects (control group). The serum zinc assay was done for all participants.

Results: The mean serum zinc level in the cases group was  75.36±19.29 and 71.73±20.19 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.360). Low zinc  levels were found in 56% of cases and 60% of controls, with no significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.685). There was no  significant variation in serum zinc levels across the different degrees of hair loss in either male or female patients. The best cutoff point of  serum zinc level to identify patients with PHL waslessthan 68.85. This value showed mild sensitivity and specificity with no significant value (p= 0.261).

Conclusion: Zinc deficiency cannot be viewed as a direct etiologic component in the development of androgenic  alopecia and not all androgenic alopecia patients may benefit from obtaining nutritional supplements. There is disagreement on the  function of supplementing with zinc.