Prognostic Factors in Mexican Patients with Patchy and Other Types of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Introduction: Some clinical features have been associated with the progression and remission of alopecia areata (AA). We aim to determine possible prognostic factors in Mexican patients with AA. Methods: This prospective study of a 1-year follow-up included Mexican patients with a clinical diagnosis of AA. We evaluated disease activity with the SALT score at the first visit and 1-year follow-up; progression, no progression, and remission were defined according to score changes. We used multiple linear regression model to detect factors associated with progression and remission. Results: One hundred and four patients concluded the study. Ninety-seven patients (93.3%) had patchy AA. Fifteen patients showed disease progression and 89 no progression, of which 35 patients had remission. Body hair involvement was related to disease progression and adherence to treatment with disease remission and progression. Conclusions: Body hair involvement is related to poor prognosis. Adherence to treatment is a modifiable prognostic factor associated with the course of AA in Mexican patients.