Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium.

BACKGROUND: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common form of non-scarring alopecia, characterized by excessive shedding of telogen club hairs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment strategies in TE. METHODS: Electronic records of 3028 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, as well as serum parameters screening for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate and zinc deficiencies, thyroid function, and ANA titers, were evaluated. RESULTS: In the study group, the most frequently performed test type was serum ferritin level (82.3%), followed by complete blood count (81%), both of which revealed that 6.2% of the patients had iron deficiency anemia. 4.6% of the patients had thyroid dysfunction. In screened patients, vitamin and mineral deficiencies were as follows: vitamin D (72.2%), vitamin B12 (30.7%), folate (4.4%), and zinc (2.1%). Women were more likely to be prescribed vitamin D replacement therapy. Iron replacement was the most frequently ordered treatment, comprising 37.5% of total prescriptions. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive retrospective study having the largest number of patients with TE. Our results will not only help to augment knowledge about TE, but also provide a diagnostic algorithm for the laboratory and clinical workup of patients with TE.