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Short anagen syndrome: A case series and algorithm for diagnosis
Michela Starace1, Carlotta Gurioli1, Miriam Anna Carpanese1
1Dermatology -IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Pediatric Dermatology
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Short anagen syndrome (SAS) is a rare pediatric hair disorder. Biotin and topical minoxidil effectively treat SAS, aiding hair growth in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Trichology
Background:
- Short anagen syndrome (SAS) is a rare pediatric hair disorder causing inability to grow long hair.
- It is characterized by a shortened anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles.
- SAS primarily affects Caucasian children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect data on Short anagen syndrome (SAS) cases.
- To develop a diagnostic algorithm for SAS.
- To evaluate treatment efficacy for SAS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 pediatric patients diagnosed with SAS.
- Data collection included clinical symptoms, pull test, hair card test, trichoscopy, and trichogram.
- Treatment data included biotin and topical minoxidil use and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Characteristic findings included parental reports of minimal need for haircuts and specific hair shaft abnormalities on trichoscopy (conical tips, varied diameters, <10-20% <60 μm).
- Trichogram revealed an increased percentage of telogen hairs (66:34 anagen-to-telogen ratio vs. normal 90:10).
- Biotin, alone or with topical minoxidil, showed positive therapeutic effects.
Conclusions:
- An algorithm utilizing clinical examination and diagnostic tests aids in differentiating SAS from other pediatric alopecias.
- Biotin combined with topical minoxidil is an effective treatment for Short anagen syndrome (SAS).
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and optimal therapeutic regimens.
