A Demographic and Biochemical Profile of Patients with Premature Graying of Hair at a Tertiary Care Center: A Case-Control Study

This case-control study conducted at a tertiary care center in India examined the demographic and biochemical factors associated with premature graying of hair (PGH) in patients aged 15-25 years. The study found that males were more affected than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Significant risk factors for PGH included family history, smoking, and hair plucking. Biochemically, patients with PGH had significantly lower levels of serum ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3 compared to controls. The study suggests that addressing these modifiable risk factors and correcting biochemical deficiencies could aid in the prevention and management of PGH. Limitations include the single-center design and potential recall bias, with plans for future multicentric studies.