Increased D dimer Levels in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Does this signal an increased risk of blood clots?

Elevated D-dimer, but not CRP or Fibrinogen Noted in Patients with Alopecia Areata

A study from Iran set out to investigate changes in coagulation markers in patients with AA. To do so, the authors evaluated the plasma level of three coagulation markers including fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer. Levels were measured in 30 patients with alopecia areata (21 females 9 male) and compared to 30 controls (21 females 9 male). The two study grouops matched by age and sex.

Results

Plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients with AA (398.45 ng/mL vs. 244.4 ng/mL, P=0.014). However, plasma CRP and fibrinogen levels were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no correlation between the plasma levels of the studied coagulation markers and the severity/duration of the disease, sex, and age.

Comments

This is an interesting study. It must be viewed as preliminary but it raises the possibility that patients with AA could have abnormalities in the coagulation pathway that could predispose to an increase in the risk of thrombosis. arger studies will hopefully clarify this very important issue.

REFERENCE

Shakoei  S et al. Coagulation status in patients with alopecia areata: a cross-sectional study. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2021 Oct;156(5):588-592.