Common Comorbidities Associated With Alopecia Areata

Author(s):

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA,Amy McMichael, MD

Key Takeaways

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss due to immune system attacks on hair follicles.
Breakdown of immune privilege in hair follicles leads to infiltration by cytotoxic T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells.
Inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and TNF-α are key contributors to immune-mediated hair follicle destruction.
The chronicity of alopecia areata is linked to persistent immune dysregulation and genetic predisposition.

Panelists discuss how concurrent comorbidities, such as thyroid disorders and other autoimmune conditions, are commonly seen in patients with alopecia areata (AA) and how they complicate disease management and increase the overall burden on patients.

EP: 1.Discussing the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata

EP: 2.Epidemiology Associated With Alopecia Areata

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EP: 3.Common Comorbidities Associated With Alopecia Areata

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Mostaghimi: What are the concurrent comorbidities commonly seen in patients with AA?
1. How do they contribute to the burden of disease?
2. How do these affect your management plan?