Relationship between alopecia areata and intestinal dysbiosis: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Review question / Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to determine the relationship between alopecia areata and intestinal dysbiosis to better inform clinical practice. To this end, the proposed scoping review will address the following question: What does the evidence available between 2000 and 2022 say about the possible relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and the development of alopecia areata? Eligibility criteria: As inclusion criteria, the studies that meet the following criteria will be included for the review: studies published in any language, as long as they are translated into English or Spanish; studies published between the years 2000 and 2022; human or animal studies, considering that the human studies should be on susceptible patients with previous diagnosis of alopecia areata; studies connecting alopecia areata to the "gut-skin axis;" studies focused on therapeutic options; and finally, studies that discuss the relationship with mental health. For exclusion criteria, previous literature reviews, indexed articles that are not peer reviewed and studies that discuss additional contributing factors to the pathophysiology of alopecia areata such as genetic factors or drug-induced alopecia areata, will not be included.