Alopecia and severity of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Peru

Infez Med. 2021 Mar 1;29(1):37-45.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between COVID-19 severity and androgenic alopecia in patients hospitalized in the Surgery Service of Honorio Delgado Espinoza Hospital in Arequipa, Peru. A cross-sectional study was performed in male patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Alopecia, clinical characteristics, treatment, and evolution were collected. In all, 98 patients were included; median age was 55 years old (range 18-89), 32.7% with comorbidities, and 45.9% with androgenic alopecia. The severity of COVID-19 infection was moderate to severe in 13.2% of patients without alopecia, and in 88.9% of patients with alopecia (p>0.001). In the logistic regression model analysis, patients with alopecia had a higher risk of presenting moderate to severe symptoms due to SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 80.2; 95% CI 16.2-397.7). In conclusion, the severity of infection was statistically significant in patients over 60 years old and those with alopecia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alopecia / etiology*
  • Alopecia / therapy
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peru / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult