COVID-19-associated Telogen Effluvium After Hospital Discharge: A Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Telogen effluvium (TE) is a recognized post-viral condition.
• SARS-CoV-2 infection has been anecdotally linked to TE, but data remain heterogeneous.
• Assessing TE prevalence in severe COVID-19 is crucial for understanding long-term sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of TE in patients hospitalized with severe acute COVID-19.
• To identify factors associated with the development of TE post-COVID-19 hospitalization.
• To characterize the onset, severity, and prognosis of TE in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 77 patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19.
• Data collected via electronic health records and telephone interviews at 3 and 6 months post-discharge.
• Statistical analysis to identify associations between TE and clinical factors.

Main Results:

• 68.8% of patients reported TE.
• Female sex, anemia, hypoproteinemia, and severe pneumonia were significantly associated with TE.
• Most cases showed early onset and moderate hair loss, with 81% regrowing hair within six months.
• Chronic TE was observed in 7.5% of patients.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19-associated TE is highly prevalent in hospitalized patients.
• Anemia and hypoalbuminemia may play a role in TE pathogenesis.
• While most TE cases resolve, a notable percentage may become chronic, necessitating further investigation.