To Demonstrate the Role of Iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D in Young Females with Chronic Telogen Effluvium Attending the Tertiary Care Centre of Jharkhand

Introduction: Many females nowadays present with complaints of diffuse hair loss (DHL) at a relatively younger age. The causes of acquired diffuse non - cicatricial hair loss are diverse, including telogen effluvium (TE), diffuse female pattern hair loss, anagen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, etc. The actual prevalence rate of Telogen Effluvium is not reported since most of the cases are subclinical in nature. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals is considered to be associated with telogen effluvium. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if an inadequate level of ferritin, vitamin D, or vitamin B12 is significantly related to chronic telogen effluvium. Aims and Objectives: Evaluation of serum ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels in females with chronic telogen effluvium (TE) to establish their role. Materials and Methods: This was a cross - sectional study conducted on 100 females who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and presented with chronic telogen effluvium (CTE). The diagnosis of CTE was made clinically. Investigations done: Blood samples were sent for estimation of serum ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels. RESULT: My study included 100 females with chronic telogen effluvium. The mean ferritin level was 13.59 ng/dL.65% of patients had serum ferritin levels lower than the normal range (14 - 150 ng/dL). Vitamin D levels (deficiency <20 ng /ml) were low in 98% of the patients. Vitamin B12 levels (normal range 191 - 663 pg/ml, mean 239.79 pg/ml) were low in 36% of patients (p value 0.802). Conclusion: The study found low levels of serum ferritin and vitamin D in approximately two - thirds of the females with chronic telogen effluvium, and vitamin B12 deficiency was found in only one - third of patients.