“Effectiveness of minimally invasive injectable modalities in the management of androgenetic alopecia among adults—A systematic review”

Background

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss that affects over 50% of the world population. It is a condition that is multifactorial in origin, with no specific causative factor, making treatment an enervating experience for the patient as well as the doctor. In recent times, a number of modalities have been introduced for the treatment of alopecia. However, the evidence supporting them is unstructured and sparse. Therefore, this article aims to explore the current trends in minimally invasive treatments for the management of androgenetic alopecia.

Methods

An in-depth literature search on injectables used in the treatment of alopecia in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, TRIP Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Skin databases between January 2000 and May 2023 was performed. The studies included were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, quasi trials, single arm interventions, and cohort studies.

Results

Sixteen of the 1071 studies that were found during the original search were accepted in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed the effectiveness of the injectable group by comparing it to a control group consisting of saline, distilled water, and topical minoxidil. In the treatment of alopecia, dutasteride and injectable growth factor formulations achieved clinically significant results.

Conclusion

The usage of injectables and topical medicines to treat hair loss has increased in the recent years. Overall results from clinical investigations, pilot studies, and trials looking at the efficacy and safety of these growth factors in the AGA show satisfactory efficacy.