Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Alopecia areata is a common form of localized, non- scarring hair loss that occurs on any hair bearing skin. The present study was conducted to assess relation of thyroid function with AA. Materials & Methods: forty patients with AA without thyroid disorders were divided into 2 groups. Healthy subjects were selected as a control group. Venous blood samples were taken from all for measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, freeT4. Results: Onset was sudden seen in12 in mild, 2 in moderate and 4 in severe, gradual in 6 in mild, 3 in moderate and 5 in severe, accidental in 2 in mild, 5 in moderate and 1 in severe. Course was stationery in 10 mild, 6 moderate and 1 severe, progressive in 2 mild, 1 moderate and 4 severe, intermittent in 5 mild, 2 moderate and 3 severe, recurrent in 3 mild, 1 moderate and 2 severe, site was scalp in 4, 2 and 3, chin in 6, 1 and 2, scalp+ chin in 5, 1 and 3 and all body in 5, 6 and 2 in mild, moderate and severe cases respectively. The mean TSH (ug/dl) was 3.46 and 2.84, free T3 (pg/dl) was 2.82 and 3.15 and free T4 (ng/dl) was 1.16 and 1.42 in group I and group II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with AA have thyroid abnormalities. So, patients with AA should be screened for thyroid functions. Key words: Alopecia areata, thyroid abnormalities, T3.