Platelet Rich Plasma in the treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Follow-up study

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as an autologus concentration of plasma with a greater count of platelets than that of whole blood. Its action depends on the released growth factors from platelets. It has been investigated and used in numerous fields of medicine. Recently, PRP has received growing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for hair loss. Objective: The present study evaluated the clinical outcome of platelet-rich plasma injection in patients of Androgenic Alopecia. Material and Methods: a prospective follow up study for six month with 60 patients of androgenic alopecia. The stage of alopecia was evaluated according to the Hamilton- Norwood for men and Ludwig scale for women. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied. Physical examination, dermatological examination and investigations were recorded. Preparation of PRP for intervention and technique of injection were applied according to our plan. Patients received five injections at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and were observed for 12 weeks (3months) and 24 weeks (6 months). In our study, we evaluated hair loss, hair density (hair/cm2), and patient’s satisfaction. The results were evaluated by digital camera and dermoscopy (digital microscopy) comparing pre and post-improvement photographs taken at 1st session (before PRP) 3 and 6 months from the 1st session. Final data before and after the intervention were imported and analyzed by SPSS 21 version and P < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results: Mean age of the study subject was 35.4±11.4 years with ages ranged from 20 to 68 years. Mean hairs count were 35.46 ± 6.89, 43.68 ± 8.23 and 55.54 ± 11.11 1cm2 before PRP, after 3 months and 6 months respectively and statistically significant ((p < 0.005). Digital images and dermoscopic images showed improvement of AGA patients both in male and female. Conclusion: In conclusion, PRP injections appeared to be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both male and female, without remarkable adverse effects and high patient’s satisfaction rate.