ASSOCIATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN MIDDLE-AGED MEN WITH ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA

Dr. Ilakkia Priya Sadasivam, Dr. Govardhan J.*, Dr. Damayandhi Kaliyaperumal, Dr. Jude Ernest Dileep, Dr. Lisa Jennifer D’souza and Dr. Rajkiran Takharya

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is defined as the commonest type of alopecia induced by androgens in genetically predisposed individuals. AGA patients are associated with various disorders. Aim: To study association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR) in middle aged men with Androgenic alopecia. Material & Methods: Sixty male patients attending the Dermatology OPD with AGA between 17-75years were included as cases and 60 age-matched male patients were taken as controls. After obtaining the informed consent, all participants are subjected to detailed history taking, complete physical and clinical examination. Clinical examination including measurement of height, weight, waist circumference, BMI and blood pressure. And measuring blood parameters like the fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile and fasting serum insulin was done. Results: The mean duration of hair loss was 11.43±8.655 years. The number of participants were more between 30-60 years which was63.3%, focusing mainly middle-aged men. Family history of baldness was present in 75% of cases. History of alcohol consumption and smoking were noted among 56.67% and 46.67% ofcases with AGA respectively. Among 60 cases, 53.33% had metabolic syndrome and 40% had insulin resistance. Among AGA patients with MS, increase in waist circumference was the most common feature (51.67%). Conclusion: Increased prevalence of MS and IR was found among the middle-aged men with AGA. Patients with AGA and patients with family history of AGA should be closely monitored lifelong, as they are at risk for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in middle- aged men.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia, Baldness, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, AGA, Cardiovascular risk.