Total and longitudinal body dimensions in Ukrainian men with alopecia areata

Abstract

Studying total and longitudinal body dimensions in patients with alopecia areata is important for assessing changes in anthropometric indicators associated with this disease. Studying the sexual characteristics of anthropometric indicators can contribute to improving diagnostic approaches and assessing the risks of developing concomitant pathologies. Analysis of the obtained data will allow integrating anthropological characteristics into a comprehensive strategy for the treatment and prevention of alopecia. The purpose of the study was to establish the characteristics of total and longitudinal body dimensions in young Ukrainian men with alopecia areata. Clinical-instrumental examination (using the ARAMO ASW 300 dermatoscope-trichoscope) and anthropological assessment (in accordance with the recommendations of Shaparenko P. P.) were conducted in 81 young Ukrainian men with alopecia areata. The severity of alopecia areata was assessed according to Shutskiy I. V. The control group included the total and longitudinal body dimensions of 82 practically healthy young Ukrainian men of the same age group, obtained from the database of the Scientific Research Center of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the licensed software package “Statistica 6.0” with non-parametric evaluation methods. In contrast to practically healthy individuals, young Ukrainian men with alopecia areata, regardless of overall status or severity levels (Grades 1, 2, and 3), demonstrated significantly greater or tendencies toward greater values for body mass (12.57-20.96 %), body surface area (4.26-12.56 %), acromial height (1.84-2.45 %), and digit anthropometric points (3.40-5.42 %). Additionally, significantly lower values were observed for pubic height (5.23-6.85 %) and trochanteric height (13.07-14.28 %). These findings indicate that, compared to practically healthy individuals, men with alopecia areata have shorter lower limbs and longer upper limbs and torso, which manifests as a “subpathological” constitutional type. No significant differences or trends in total and longitudinal body dimensions were identified among groups of patients with varying degrees of alopecia areata severity. Thus, the findings suggest both genetic predisposition (changes in longitudinal body dimensions) and the influence of environmental factors (changes in body mass) in the development of this multifactorial disease.