Association of Androgenetic Alopecia with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is associated with increased risk of several systemic diseases and some environmental factors, however, controversies exist. Since AGA and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) share common pathogenesis and AGA manifests some decades before BPH onset, it may serve as an early marker of BPH.

Objective: This study was conducted to know AGA and its association with BPH in men ≥20 years of age.

Materials and Methods: Clinically diagnosed cases of AGA (n=176) and 117 age matched healthy controls were enrolled. All cases and controls were subjected for abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography, urinary flowmetry, fasting lipid profiles, glycemic index and body mass index. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was also assessed.

Results: Among 176 patients, 120 (68.18%) had Hamilton-Norwood grade III AGA and 56 (31.82%) had grade IV-VII AGA. In both groups, 140 (79.55%) cases and 93 (79.49%) controls were aged <35 years respectively. Family history of AGA was present in 108 (61.36%) cases and 2 (1.71%) controls. This observation was statistically significant with OR= 89.61 (95%CI 23.67-339.29). Three (1.7%) cases and none of the controls had prostate volume >30ml. Seventeen

(9.66%) cases and 4 (3.42%) controls were graded as moderately/severely symptomatic IPSS. Statistically significant association was seen between family history and early onset of hair loss (<35 years) in a male sibling or parent.

Conclusion: Although positive family history was associated with early onset of AGA, no association between AGA and BPH could be elicited in our study.