SPARC AA: Spatial Patterning Analysis and Relapse in Children with Alopecia Areata
Children’s National Hospital
Overview:
Alopecia areata causes patches of hair loss, but usually, we only measure how much hair is lost, not where it happens. We think the pattern of hair loss on the scalp could provide important clues. For example, if patches start at the front or spread evenly across the scalp, this might tell us something about the course of the condition compared with patches that stay small and clumped together. We will use photos of the scalp and mark them on a simple “map grid,” using computer programming. We will then follow the hair loss pattern over time and correlate this with other patient factors and exposures. By learning more about “where” alopecia areata happens and how this changes over time, we hope to understand and record disease progression more closely. This is a smaller study to validate this process and create the infrastructure using artificial intelligence needed to extend this to more patients and to clinical trials.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant.