Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with androgenic alopecia

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most important derivatives of blood. Over the past several years, the use of PRP has focused on the medical treatment in conditions such as skin rejuvenation and chronic ulcer treatment and hair loss. Also, PRP has been transmitted to the peripheral environment of the hair follicle through several intradermal injections to treat hair loss. The objective of this clinical trial was the evaluation of the effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in treatment of patients with androgenic alopecia.

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 20 patients with androgenic alopecia referring to dermatology clinic of Sina Hospital in Tabriz were assigned into the study. Interfollicular injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), 0.1 ml/cm2 were performed 2 times in each patient in selected areas of the scalp at intervals of 30 days. The clinical manifestations and dermoscopy were used to evaluate the patients with androgenic alopecia. Before the intervention, 1 month, 3 months after the intervention were followed up, respectively.

Results: Twenty patients (16 males and 4 females) were examined. The mean age of the patients was 32.88 ± 1.3 and in range of 24 to 48 years. The results of this study showed a significant increase in the mean number of hair in treated areas in the third month compared with the beginning of the study. In the treated areas there was an average increase of 13.9 after first month and 33.6 hairs per cm2 after 3 months.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, PRP has a positive effect on the treatment of patients with androgenic alopecia.