Antinuclear Antibody Positivity in Patients With Hair Loss After COVID-19 Infection

Manav V., Erdil D., Aksu A. E. K.

Dermatology Practical and Conceptual, vol.13, no.2, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 13 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.5826/dpc.1302a81
  • Journal Name: Dermatology Practical and Conceptual
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: antinuclear antibody positivity, hair loss, SARS-CoV-19, trichodynia
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Introduction: Hair loss is one of the most common disorders after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19-related hair loss and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and patterns. Methods: ANA positivity and patterns were analyzed in 30 female COVID-19 patients with hair loss complaints and compared in terms of the presence of autoimmunity between patients with and without COVID-19 exhibiting hair loss. Results: ANA positivity and cytoplasmic patterns were detected in 40% of the patients with COVID-19 infection and hair loss. Trichodynia and diffuse hair loss were observed in 63.3% and 53.3%, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19-related hair loss, diffuse hair loss and ANA positivity may be related to the high antibody levels triggered by COVID-19 infection.