Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content as a Best Indicator of Iron Deficiency in Female Patients with Diffuse Non-Scarring Hair Loss

Zahraa Jasim and Hayder Aledan

¹Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq

²Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq

Corresponding Author E-mail: zahraa.jassim@uobasrah.edu.iq

Abstract: Background and objective: Iron deficiency is a well-documented cause of diffuse non-scarring hair loss. We aimed to find the best representative laboratory parameter for iron deficiency. Methods:This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on 51 female patients with diffuse non-scarring hair loss and iron deficiency state. Iron deficiency was diagnosed as serum ferritin below 30 ng/ml, TSAT below 20% or CHr below 29 pg. Results: Among 51 female patients with diffuse non-scarring hair loss with laboratory proven iron deficiency; low CHrwas reported in 50 (98%) patients, low TSAT was reported in 43 (84.3%) patients, low serum ferritin was reported in 28 (55%). Conclusion:The reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) shows the highest frequency of iron deficiency in patients with diffuse hair loss and iron deficiency state.

Keywords: Ferritin; Hemoglobin; Hair Loss; Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content; Transferrin Saturation

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