Jerry Shapiro1, Anthony Ho2, Kumar Sukhdeo3, Lu Yin2, Kristen Lo Sicco2. 1. Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York. Electronic address: Jerry.Shapiro@nyulangone.org. 2. Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York. 3. Pilaris Dermatology, New York, New York.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise as an androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized placebo-controlled split-scalp study to investigate the effects of PRP on hair regrowth and thickness. METHODS: Two 7.6-cm × 7.6-cm squares were tattooed on the scalps of 35 study participants with AGA. Areas were randomly assigned to intradermal injection with PRP or saline. Participants received 3 monthly treatment sessions with evaluation 3 months after the final treatment. RESULTS:Hair density in the PRP-treated area was significantly increased compared with baseline at all visits. At the final assessment, hair density in PRP-treated areas increased from 151 ± 39.82 hairs/cm2 at baseline to 170.96 ± 37.14 hairs/cm2, a mean increase of approximately 20 hairs/cm2 (P < .05). However, hair density in placebo-treated areas also increased from 151.04 ± 41.99 hairs/cm2 to 166.72 ± 37.13 hairs/cm2 (P < .05). There was no significant difference in hair density change between the 2 groups (P > .05). No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Possible PRP diffusion due to split-scalp study design as well as microinjections causing microinjury to both sides. CONCLUSION:PRP may have benefit in increasing hair density.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise as an androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized placebo-controlled split-scalp study to investigate the effects of PRP on hair regrowth and thickness. METHODS: Two 7.6-cm × 7.6-cm squares were tattooed on the scalps of 35 study participants with AGA. Areas were randomly assigned to intradermal injection with PRP or saline. Participants received 3 monthly treatment sessions with evaluation 3 months after the final treatment. RESULTS: Hair density in the PRP-treated area was significantly increased compared with baseline at all visits. At the final assessment, hair density in PRP-treated areas increased from 151 ± 39.82 hairs/cm2 at baseline to 170.96 ± 37.14 hairs/cm2, a mean increase of approximately 20 hairs/cm2 (P < .05). However, hair density in placebo-treated areas also increased from 151.04 ± 41.99 hairs/cm2 to 166.72 ± 37.13 hairs/cm2 (P < .05). There was no significant difference in hair density change between the 2 groups (P > .05). No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Possible PRP diffusion due to split-scalp study design as well as microinjections causing microinjury to both sides. CONCLUSION: PRP may have benefit in increasing hair density.