Analysis of Serum Stored Iron Levels in Female Chronic Telogen Effluvium

Lee, Sung Joo; Kim, Young Keun; Choi, Gwang Seong

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic telogen effluvium is a common problem in middle-aged women. It has been suggested that reduced iron stores are a cause of this type of baldness.
OBJECTIVE
We performed this study in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of chronic telogen effluvium and to evaluate the differences in serum stored iron levels between normal females and those with chronic telogen effluvium.
METHODS
Blood levels of hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and TIBC were examined in 20 patients with chronic telogen effluvium and 20 normal females. RESULT: 1) Ferritin levels were significantly decreased in the patients group(p=0.008). 2) TIBC levels were significantly increased in the patients group(p=0.001). 3) There were no significant differences in Hb and serum iron in both groups (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggested that the variation of serum ferritin level may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic telogen effluvium, but further studies will be needed for evaluation of this condition.