Evaluating the Role of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Ferritin Levels with Hair Loss Among Patients with COVID-19: Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 has led to many clinical manifestations, including post-infection hair loss. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between thyroid function, iron levels, and the probability of hair loss after COVID-19 infection.

Materials and Methods: 100 female patients who recovered from COVID-19 participated in a cross-sectional case-control research. Utilizing cutting-edge immunoassay technology, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and ferritin levels were evaluated biochemically. Through the use of a standardized questionnaire, information on the patient's demographics, hair loss duration, and chronic illnesses was gathered.

Results: TSH levels were significantly different between patients with hair loss and controls (p<0.001), suggesting a possible link between high TSH and post-COVID-19 hair loss. On the other hand, ferritin levels between the two groups did not differ significantly (p=0.492). TSH was identified as a viable predictor for hair loss patients by ROC-curve analysis (AUC = 0.737, sensitivity = 84%, specificity = 46%), although ferritin had only a little ability to predict hair loss (AUC = 0.519).

Conclusion: This study indicates that thyroid function may play a role in hair loss after COVID-19 infection by showing a possible correlation between higher TSH levels and hair loss. However, ferritin levels did not exhibit a significant correlation, highlighting the need for additional study to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms.