Vascular pedicles of infrahyoid muscles: an anatomical study

This study was designed to determine the entering sites of vascular pedicles of the infrahyoid muscles. The neck regions of 12 cadavers were investigated bilaterally. The vascular pedicles of the infrahyoid muscles (except the thyrohyoid and inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle) were dissected and measurements taken with a caliper in reference to the attachments of the muscles. For the sternothyroid muscle, two vascular pedicles were found bilaterally in all cadavers. Two vascular pedicles were found bilaterally for the sternohyoid muscle in 11 cadavers; in one cadaver the inferior vascular pedicle was absent bilaterally. One vascular pedicle was found bilaterally for the superior belly of the omohyoid muscle in all cadavers. These data regarding the vascular pedicles of the infrahyoid muscles might be useful for preserving the vascular supply of the infrahyoid muscles during flap preparation.     

Inverse correlation between vitamin D and CRP levels in alopecia areata: A pilot study

Introduction

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune non-scarring hair loss. The role of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamins, especially vitamin D, on the natural hair cycle is well defined in literature. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D and CRP levels in patients with alopecia areata.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed from beginning of October 2020 until end of December 2021. Alopecia areata patients over 18 years of age gave their written consent to participate in the study. The severity of the patients' disease was assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool. Serum vitamin D and CRP levels were measured and CBC and LFT were also performed.

Results

There were significant differences between the patients with the localized form of AA and its universal form in the following variables: Vitamin D levels, SALT score, WBC, ALKP, and CRP. There was also a significant inverse correlation between CRP and vitamin D levels (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher CRP levels, and patients with low serum vitamin D and high CRP levels are at a higher risk of developing the universalis form of AA; therefore, these patients should undergo more aggressive treatments.