Giovanni Schiavone1, Andrea Paradisi2, Francesco Ricci3, Damiano Abeni4. 1. Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Surgery Unit, IDI-IRCCS, FLMM, Rome, Italy. 2. Dermatology Unit, "Cristo Re" General Hospital, Rome, Italy. 3. Dermatological Day Surgery Unit, IDI-IRCCS, FLMM, Rome, Italy. 4. Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IDI-IRCCS, FLMM, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The role of enriched autologous plasmas in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) management is emerging in recent literature. OBJECTIVE: In this prospective study, the authors aimed to confirm that the induction of a minor local trauma immediately followed by injections of an enriched plasma made of a strongly concentrated platelet fraction, a robust white cell presence, concentrated fibrinogen, and other plasma proteins (injectable leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin [iL-PRF]) could be able to produce positive clinical results in patients with AGA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2-injection regimen was instituted, with a 3-month interval between the 2 interventions. A treatment group (TG) and a control group (CG) were instituted. Macrophotographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and rated by 5-people expert panel (blinded to this assignment) using the 15-point scale proposed by Jaeschke to evaluate the clinical change. RESULTS: Overall, TG showed better scores compared with the CG in all 5 classes of global physician assessment at baseline, all age groups, and in both sexes, and such differences always reached statistical significance. A greater severity at baseline showed a larger improvement after treatment in the TG. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that the biological composition of the iL-PRF is of crucial importance in ensuring a good degree of clinical efficacy in patients with AGA.
BACKGROUND: The role of enriched autologous plasmas in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) management is emerging in recent literature. OBJECTIVE: In this prospective study, the authors aimed to confirm that the induction of a minor local trauma immediately followed by injections of an enriched plasma made of a strongly concentrated platelet fraction, a robust white cell presence, concentrated fibrinogen, and other plasma proteins (injectable leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin [iL-PRF]) could be able to produce positive clinical results in patients with AGA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2-injection regimen was instituted, with a 3-month interval between the 2 interventions. A treatment group (TG) and a control group (CG) were instituted. Macrophotographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and rated by 5-people expert panel (blinded to this assignment) using the 15-point scale proposed by Jaeschke to evaluate the clinical change. RESULTS: Overall, TG showed better scores compared with the CG in all 5 classes of global physician assessment at baseline, all age groups, and in both sexes, and such differences always reached statistical significance. A greater severity at baseline showed a larger improvement after treatment in the TG. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that the biological composition of the iL-PRF is of crucial importance in ensuring a good degree of clinical efficacy in patients with AGA.