Usefulness of Platelet Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia

Article Information

Title: Usefulness of Platelet Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia

Authors: Kanza Aftab, Nadia Iftikhar, Majid Hussain, Shanza Obaid, Zarnab Zainab, Maimoona Mumtaz

Journal: Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal (PAFMJ)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30
Y	1900-01-01	2005-06-30

Publisher: Army Medical College, Rawalpindi.

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 72

Issue: 1

Language: English

DOI: 10.51253/pafmj.v72i1.4337

Keywords: Androgenetic alopeciaPlatelet rich plasmaTreatment response

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.

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Research Objective

To study the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in patients of androgenetic alopecia.

Methodology

A case series involving 50 patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. Patients received three sessions of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration every four weeks. Treatment response was assessed using the hair pull test and a subjective improvement score (0-10). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, with Chi-square tests used to examine associations between demographic factors and treatment response.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Patient Recruitment 50 patients with Androgenetic Alopecia"] --> B["PRP Treatment Protocol"];
    B --> C["Session 1: PRP Administration"];
    C --> D["Wait 4 Weeks"];
    D --> E["Session 2: PRP Administration"];
    E --> F["Wait 4 Weeks"];
    F --> G["Session 3: PRP Administration"];
    G --> H["Post-Treatment Assessment Hair Pull Test, Subjective Score"];
    H --> I["Data Analysis Descriptive Statistics, Chi-square"];
    I --> J["Conclusion"];

Discussion

The study supports the efficacy and safety of PRP as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia, aligning with findings from other studies. The results suggest that patient age and the presence of comorbidities are important factors influencing treatment outcomes. While gender did not show a significant impact on response in this study, further research with larger sample sizes and placebo controls is recommended to establish local treatment guidelines.

Key Findings

Out of 50 patients, 36 (72%) showed a satisfactory response to PRP treatment after three sessions. The absence of comorbid medical illness and younger age (less than 40 years) were statistically significantly associated with a satisfactory response (p-value 0.010 and 0.001, respectively). Gender and duration of alopecia were not statistically significantly related to treatment response.

Conclusion

Platelet-rich plasma is an effective treatment for a significant number of patients with androgenetic alopecia. The likelihood of a satisfactory response is higher in patients without comorbid medical illnesses and who are under 40 years of age.

Fact Check

- 50 patients were included in the study.
- 72% of patients had a satisfactory response to PRP treatment.
- The study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2020.

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