Hair Loss in Paediatric and Adolescent Age Group: A Clinico-Pathological Analysis in a Tertiary Health Care Centre
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2017, Vol 11, Issue 12
Abstract
Introduction: Hair loss in children causes deep distress to both the child and the parent. The most common causes of paediatric alopecia are tinea capitis, alopecia areata, traction alopecia and trichotillomania. Timely diagnosis and treatment are indeed required to reverse these conditions. Aim: To categorize paediatric alopecia into non-scarring, scarring and miscellaneous causes and to describe the histopathological features of each entity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out for duration of 10 years (July 2006 to July 2016) in the Department of Pathology. Scalp biopsies from patients aged 0-18 years with the history of hair loss were included in the study. Results: There were 35 cases, which included non-scarring 22 (63%) cases, scarring 6 (17%) cases and miscellaneous causes 7 (20%) cases. Rare genetic causes such as Vitamin D resistant rickets associated with alopecia and epidermolysis bullosa were seen among the miscellaneous causes. Alopecia areata was the leading cause of hair loss in children followed by trichotillomania. The histopathological features of non-scarring and scarring alopecia were similar to that described in adults. KFSD, rarely seen in females, showed dilated infundibulum with follicular plugging, polytrichia, perifollicular lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis on histology. Alopecia in patients with vitamin D resistant rickets showed reduction in number of hair follicles, irregular epithelial structures and epithelial cysts. Conclusion: The commonest cause of paediatric alopecia seen in this study was alopecia areata. A holistic approach including history, clinical examination and histopathology will be essential for correct diagnosis.
Authors and Affiliations
Umamaheswari Gurusamy, Chaitra Venkataswamy
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP367385
- DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2017/30889.10930
- Views 61
- Downloads 0
Giant Cells Tumour of the Distal Phalanx of the Finger A Case Report
ABSTRACT Giant Cell Tumour (GCT) of the hand phalangeal bones are rare but with local aggressiveness and high risk of recurrence. Their treatment is exclusively surgical. We report a case of GCT occurring in the third ph...
Budesonide Nasal Douching: An Effective Method in Postoperative AFRS Management
Introduction: The aim of management of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is to control the disease process and the local immune response of the nasal mucosa. This is achieved by a two pronged approach – surgical clea...
Chairside Pickup of Hader Attachment Sleeves using Condensation Silicone Putty and Pattern Resin- A Novel and Precise Technique
ABSTRACT This article describes an easy, economic and precise method for chairside pickup of Hader bar sleeves using condensation silicone putty and pattern resin. After torquing the titanium bar, proper block out is car...
Anatrophic Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Large Staghorn Calculi – A Single Centre Experience
Introduction: With advances in endourology, open stone surgery for staghorn calculi has markedly diminished. Anatrophic Nephrolithotomy (AN) is performed for complex staghorn stones which cannot be cleared by a reasonabl...
Clinical Score for Risk Stratification in Febrile Thrombocytopenia
ABSTRACT Introduction: The monsoon and peri-monsoon season often entail, a high patient influx with fever and thrombocytopenia. In severe cases, blood transfusion is necessary, but as there are no guidelines or a precise...