Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: results of a 54-patient prospective study

Abstract

The current medical treatments of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) have hardly achieved a satisfying clinical improvement. Biologic regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the scalp, have been proposed recently. This multidisciplinary prospective study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of autologous PRP injections into the scalp of patients with AGA. Fifty-four patients with AGA (35 men and 19 women) were enrolled. Non-activated autologous PRP was injected into the androgen-related areas of the scalp. The study protocol consisted of three sessions of injections at 3-month interval. The effects were assessed by means of noninvasive methods. Safety profile, patient satisfaction, and Dermatology Life Quality Index were assessed. Increase in hair thickness was observed 1 month after the first PRP injection, and hair loss reduction was found after 3 months. In most patients, the improvement was progressively evident until the 12th month. Hair growth/production showed differences between women and men. The safety profile was satisfactory. This study confirms that PRP injections are effective in reducing thinning of the scalp hair and suggests more efficacy in women.