Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Pattern Hair Loss (A Case-Controlled Study)

Background: Although androgenetic alopecia affects both males and females, trace elements may play as crucial impact. Objectives: To evaluate serum zinc in patients with pattern hair loss (PHL) and to compare the findings with normal controls. Patients and Methods: This study is a cross sectional observational case control study conducted at outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs Department, Mansoura University hospital in the period between May 2022 and May 2023. The study included 100 subjects, divided into two groups: the first consisted of 50 patients (Male and female) with pattern hair loss and the second was 50 subjects (control group). The serum zinc assay was done for all participants. Results: The mean serum zinc level in the cases group was 75.36±19.29 and 71.73±20.19 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.360). Low zinc levels were found in 56% of cases and 60% of controls, with no significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.685). There was no significant variation in serum zinc levels across the different degrees of hair loss in either male or female patients. The best cutoff point of serum zinc level to identify patients with PHL was less than 68.85. This value showed mild sensitivity and specificity with no significant value (p= 0.261). Conclusion: Zinc deficiency cannot be viewed as a direct etiologic component in the development of androgenic alopecia and not all androgenic alopecia patients may benefit from obtaining nutritional supplements. There is disagreement on the function of supplementing with zinc.