Telogen Effluvium: Prevalence Associated Factors with Reference to Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Childbearing Women, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Telogen Effluvium (TE) is the most common cause of diffuse hair loss in adult females. It may be a sequale of various metabolic alterations such as hormonal changes, malnutrition especially iron deficiency in premenopausal women. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate prevalence of TE, explore its associated factors and measure the effect of iron supplementation among women in childbearing period attending Damero family health center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Damero Family health center. The study embraced 305 women in childbearing period aged (19-45) years attended the selected Family center for any medical services during the period of data collection. Participants were assessed clinically through comprehensive history (socioeconomic characteristics, menstrual, family and dietary history), physical examination (general, scalp and hair examination) and laboratory investigations included (complete blood count and serum ferritin levels). Telogen Effluvium improvement was assessed after 4 weeks of 600 mg daily oral iron supplementation. Results: This study shows that among 305 studied women in the childbearing period, 85 women (27.9%) had telogen effluvium. The most significant factor associated with Telogen Effluvium was iron deficiency anemia (p = 0.002, Odds ratio=3.9) followed by irregular menstruation (p 0.01, Odds ratio=1.6). In most of the participants Telogen Effluvium improved after 4 weeks of oral iron supplementation. Conclusion: There was a significant association between iron deficiency anemia and telogen effluvium. Moreover, there was an obvious improvement in TE after 4 weeks oral iron supplementation. Keywords: Telogen effluvium, iron deficiency anemia, females in the childbearing period, iron supplementation