Acute telogen effluvium (TE) represents a non-scaring form of hair loss that manifests approximately 3-months after a stressful incident. Notably, it relates to post-COVID-19 infections. This study aims to investigate the biochemical biomarkers associated with telogen effluvium in recovered COVID-19 patients. The study encompassed 108 participants, categorized by sex (64 male and 44 female) and age groups. Biochemical biomarkers were assessed, including complete blood count, liver enzymes, ferritin, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
Significant differences were revealed between males and females in terms of Hb levels, RBC, WBC, platelet, ESR, and CRP levels (p-value < 0.05). In addition to significant differences in D-dimer levels between age groups; lower mean values in age group 26-35 years and higher values observed at ≥ 46 years (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, significant correlations were found between D-dimer levels with LDH, CRP, and ferritin.
The available evidence concludes that COVID-19 may lead to TE, a type of hair shedding, attributed to the stress induced by the infection. Sex disparities were noted in blood characteristics, with males exhibiting alterations in several parameters. D-dimer levels varied across different age groups. Persistently elevated D-dimer levels following a COVID-19 infection may be correlated with inflammatory markers.