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Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, Vol. 32 No. 1, 2024.

Professional paper

COVID-19-associated Telogen Effluvium After Hospital Discharge: A Prospective Cohort Study

Katerina Damevska ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia *
Tomica Sotirovski ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Bojana Batkoska ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Marija Djambazova ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Vaska Radeski ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Jorde Simonoska ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Dimitri Bachevski ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Kujtime Rushiti Mehmeti ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Tomche Popovski ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Ermira Labenishta ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Aleksandar Ristovski ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Anita Najdova ; University Clinic of Dermatology, Ss Cyril and Metodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Introduction Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Existing studies are highly heterogeneous. We aimed to assess the prevalence of TE
in a cohort of patients with severe disease hospitalized for acute COVID-19.
Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at the University Clinic of
Dermatology, part of the COVID-19 University Hospital Network throughout the
pandemic. The acute phase data were extracted from electronic hospital records.
Details about hair loss were obtained at two follow-up points, 3 and 6 months after
hospital discharge, using telephone interviews.
Results A total of 77 patients were successfully followed up, and 40 (48.8%) were
male. The mean age was 55.91, SD=10,588. Overall, 68.8% of patients reported TE.
Among these, 52.8% reported early onset, and 50.9% reported moderate hair loss.
11 (20.7%) reported complete hair regrowth within three months, and an additional
32 (60.3%) reported complete regrowth within six months. 4 (7.5%) patients have
chronic TE. Female sex (p<0.0001), anemia (p=0.019), hypoproteinemia (p=0.037),
and severe pneumonia (p=0.004) were associated with TE. Age, fever, SpO2, CRP
levels, in-hospital complications, and raised D-dimers were not associated with TE.
Discussion Our study confirmed a high prevalence of COVID-19-associated TE in

hospitalized patients. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were associated with TE, shed-
ding new light on the possible pathogenesis. COVID-19-associated TE occurs earlier

than classic TE and has a good prognosis in most patients. However, chronic ТЕ was
reported by 7.5%. Even a small incidence of long-term sequelae during a pandemic
could have substantial health consequences.

Keywords

anemia; hypoalbuminemia; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; telogen effluvium

Hrčak ID:

335580

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/335580

Publication date:

1.2.2024.

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