To study the effect of activated platelet-rich plasma in cases of androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Context: Growth factors released from platelets act on stem cells in the bulge region of follicles and thus stimulate the development of new hair follicles. Aims: Primary aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of activated platelet rich plasma in AGA. Settings and Design: Prospective double arm non-randomized pre-post study. Material and Methods: Activated Platelet-rich plasma was injected in either anterior half of alopecia scalp in first 20 patients and posterior half in next 20 patients (Group I) and the other half was injected with placebo (Group II). Each patient received a total of 5 session of aPRP, 15 days apart. Statistical analysis used: Quantitative variables were compared using student T test and Mann-Whitney Test between two groups. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 40 male patients with a clinical diagnosis of AGA (stage II to VI) were recruited but only 35 patients completed the whole study. At 1 month and 3 months follow-up, Group I showed statistically significant increase in hair count, hair density and anagen/telogen ratio as compared to Group II. Conclusion: aPRP is a safe and good alternative to medical treatment. It seems to have a stabilizing effect on hair fall and may be considered as a measure to prevent progression of alopecia in early stages.