Genetic disorders associated with severe alopecia in children: a report of two unusual cases and a review.

Moderate to severe alopecia in children may be due to a genetic disorder. This paper reviews the heritable causes of alopecia in children and gives a detailed account of two affected unrelated children. One has alopecia universalis while the other has alopecia postulated to be due to a new disorder of genetic etiology. The article concludes that for purposes of genetic counseling and prognosis it is crucial that a correct diagnosis be made.