Usefulness of Platelet Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Objective: To study the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in patients of androgenetic alopecia at the Dermatology Department of Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Study Design: Case series.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Dec 2018 to Jan 2020.

Methodology: A total of 50 patients with androgenetic alopecia diagnosed by the consultant dermatologist were included in this study. Patients were administered platelet-rich plasma every four weeks for three sessions. Hair pull test and subjective improvement of patients (0-10) were used to see the treatment response.

Results: Out of 50 patients with androgenetic alopecia, 36 (72%) had satisfactory responses while 14 (28%) had not achieved the satisfactory response after the twelve-weeks treatment comprising of three sessions. The absence of comorbid medical illness and less age of the patients had a statistically significant relationship with the presence of satisfactory response in the study population (p-value 0.010 and 0.001).

Conclusion: A significant number of patients with androgenetic alopecia responded very well to platelet-rich plasma. Chances of achieving a satisfactory response increase if the patient is not having any comorbid medical illness and is less than the age of 40 years at the time of treatment.