Serum Vitamin B12 in chronic telogen effluvium patients: A case–control study

Background: Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint in dermatology clinics. Chronic telogen effluvium is a common form of diffuse hair loss. Chronic telogen effluvium is characterized usually by the abrupt onset of diffuse shedding of telogen hairs for more than 6 months. Micronutrients such as Vitamin B 12 are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle. Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium are not well characterized. Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium patients to controls. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in the department of dermatology of a tertiary care hospital; a total of 70 patients were included, 35 in each group. Results: Twenty-five(71%) chronic telogen effluvium patients were females; 60% had Vitamin B12 deficiency (<250 pg/ml). In controls, fewer (26%) subjects had Vitamin B12 deficiency (P = 0.004). Conclusion: As per our study, Vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in patients with telogen effluvium than in controls.