Cardiovascular Risk and Systemic Inflammation in Alopecia Areata: An Observational Case-control Study

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss, often accompanied by systemic manifestations, suggesting a potential link to systemic inflammation. While previous studies have explored the association between AA and cardiovascular risk (CVR), findings remain inconsistent. The main objectives of the study were to analyze cardiovascular risk (CVR) and systemic inflammatory activity in patients with AA compared with healthy controls. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate associations between systemic inflammation/CVR and baseline clinical variables in patients with AA. The study used a case-control design with patients matched for age, sex, and anthropometric characteristics. Measurements of blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters, systemic inflammatory markers, and vitamin D levels were conducted. Seventy-two participants were included in the study (36 patients with AA, 36 healthy controls), of whom 72.2% were women (52/72), with a mean age of 39 years (±2.6). The baseline Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) values in patients with AA was 42% (±6). Patients with AA had higher systolic blood pressure than controls, with no differences in diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, or metabolic profile. Patients with AA showed higher systemic inflammation parameters and lower vitamin D levels. No association was observed between CVR and systemic inflammation; these factors were not associated with disease severity, duration, or type of treatment. Despite presenting similar cardiovascular risk profiles to healthy controls, patients with AA demonstrated elevated systemic inflammatory activity. However, these factors did not appear to be interrelated, and were not associated with disease severity. risk profiles to healthy controls, they had elevated systemic inflammatory activity and lower vitamin D levels.