The role of selectins in alopecia areata

Non-invasive detection of early microvascular changes in juveniles with type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The study aimed to assess the usefulness of capillaroscopy and photoplethysmography in the search for early vascular anomalies in children with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

One hundred sixty children and adolescents aged 6-18, 125 patients with type 1 diabetes, and 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. We performed a detailed clinical evaluation, anthropometric measurements, nailfold capillaroscopy, and photoplethysmography.

RESULTS

Patients with diabetes had more often abnormal morphology in capillaroscopy (68.60%, p = 0.019), enlarged capillaries (32.6%, p = 0.006), and more often more over five meandering capillaries (20.90%, p = 0.026) compared to healthy controls. Meandering capillaries correlated with higher parameters of nutritional status. In a photoplethysmography, patients with diagnosed neuropathy had a higher percentage of flow disturbance curves (p < 0.001) with a reduced frequency of normal curves (p = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Capillaroscopic and photoplethysmographic examinations are non-invasive, painless, fast, and inexpensive. They are devoid of side effects, and there are no limitations in the frequency of their use and repetition. The usefulness of capillaroscopy and photoplethysmography in the study of microcirculation in diabetic patients indicates the vast application possibilities of these methods in clinical practice.

Markers of Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Is There Anything to Worry about?

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have indicated that alopecia areata is associated with a chronic systemic inflammation, which is considered as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the following markers of venous thromboembolism risk: soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TATC), and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) in patients with alopecia areata and compare them with healthy controls.

METHODS

In total, 51 patients with alopecia areata [35 women and 16 men; mean age: 38 (19-54) years] and 26 controls [18 women and 8 men; mean age: 37 (29-51) years] were enrolled in the study. The serum concentrations of thromboembolism markers were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

RESULTS

An increased level of SFMC was detected in patients with alopecia areata compared with the controls [25.66 (20-34.86) versus 21.46 (15.38-29.48) µg/ml; p < 0.05)]. In addition, a higher level of F1 + 2 was observed in patients with alopecia areata in comparison with the control group [70150 (43720-86070) versus 38620 (31550-58840) pg/ml; p < 0.001]. No significant correlation was detected among SFMC or F1 + 2 and the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, disease duration, or the number of the hair loss episodes.

CONCLUSION

Alopecia areata may be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Regular screening and preventive management of venous thromboembolism may be beneficial in patients with alopecia areata, especially before and during systemic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or glucocorticoid therapy.