Alopecia following solid organ transplant: the Mayo Clinic experience.

Abstract

Background: Alopecia is a burgeoning area of patient interest and dermatologic investigation. Alopecia following a solid organ transplant has been relatively unexplored, despite the potential for significant symptomatic and psychological impact on patients posttransplant.

Objective: We set out to study alopecia in patients following solid organ transplants, including presentation, etiology, evaluation, and management.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent solid organ transplant without a preceding history of alopecia at a single center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, to record new alopecia diagnoses posttransplant. Demographic data, transplant type, immunosuppressive regimen, and type of alopecia were all collected.

Results: Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 3,732 patients underwent a solid organ transplant with a median age of 58 (range: 18-82) years. Sixty-two percent were men, 72.5% were White, and 8.4% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Out of 3,732 patients who underwent a solid organ transplant, 39 (1%) subsequently developed alopecia. Risk of alopecia was higher in females (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.26, P < .001), Hispanics (HR = 2.49, P = .043), and pancreas transplant patients (HR = 24.26, P < .001).

Limitations: This is a retrospective review.

Conclusion: In this study, alopecia was rare after a solid organ transplant, but further investigation is needed to assess for potential underdiagnosis of alopecia following transplant and the higher risks reported in certain populations.