Computer-aided imaging comparable to clinical staging in measuring female-pattern hair loss

A computer-aided imaging system measuring female-pattern hair loss produced results that were comparable to clinical staging using the Savin scale, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied 38 Chinese women with female pattern hair loss (Savin Scale I-2 to II-2). They took 215 photographs and used a computer-aided imaging system (CAIS) was used to calculate central balding areas of each photograph.

There was a 7.53% difference in the central balding areas calculated. Average central balding areas were 9,391.12 mm² in all patients, 3,828.84 mm² in type I-2, 5,880.38 mm² in I-3, 8,267.44 mm² in I-4, 12,999.26 mm² in II-1 and 15,979.71 mm² in II-2. There was a clinical correlation between the values of central balding areas and of the Savin scales, with statistical significance in variance between Savin scales (P < .05).

“The CAIS allows physicians to evaluate the severity of baldness more accurately through qualitative visual observation,” the researchers concluded. “The values of the [central balding areas] measured by the CAIS, used in conjunction with the present grading systems, may be more precise and efficient to evaluate the severity of [female-pattern hair loss].

“The authors hope this system can also be applied to other diseases of hair loss such as [male-pattern hair loss], alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and scarring alopecia. It can also be used to evaluate other skin disease, such as melasma and vitiligo, by capturing and measuring areas of the skin that are affected.” – By Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.