1Junior Residents, Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SGT Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Chandu-Budhera, Gurugram-122505, Haryana, India
2Professor & HOD, Department of Dermatology & STD, SGT Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Chandu-Budhera, Gurugram-122505, Haryana, India
3Professor & HOD, Department of Biochemistry, SGT Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Chandu-Budhera, Gurugram-122505, Haryana, India
*Corresponding author email id: drsawhney@live.com
Online published on 22 February, 2023.
Melasma is the most common cause of facial melanosis and is manifested by hyperpigmented macules and patches on the face which become more pronounced after sun exposure. Multiple factors are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of melasma with iron deficiency being one of them as shown in recent studies. Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) is the most widely used tool to measure the severity of melasma and has a prognostic value. In this study, we correlated the levels of serum iron, serum ferritin and TIBC with MASI score.
An observation study was carried out in the Dermatology Department, of a tertiary care hospital for a period of two years. MASI score was calculated in 50 females (>18 years of age) with clinically diagnosed melasma. Serum iron level, serum ferritin levels and TIBC levels were measured.
Mean serum iron and serum levels of ferritin were considerably less (P<0.001) in patients with MASI score > 10 as compared to those with MASI score <10. In contrast to the above results, TIBC concentration was significantly higher (P 0.011) in patients with higher MASI score as compared to those with lower MASI score.
Serum iron and serum ferritin levels were inversely proportional to MASI score whereas TIBC levels were directly proportional to MASI score.
Melasma, MASI score, Serum iron profile, Serum iron, Serum ferritin, TIBC
