The authors demonstrate some encouraging results in this pilot study, exploring the benefit of injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp on patients with androgenetic alopecia. This suggests the need to now proceed with a randomised control study to formally test this procedure. Sixty-four patients were recruited for this study, 42 male and 22 female all of whom suffer with pattern baldness and had a platelet count of 140,000 platelets per microlitre. These patients had also not been treated with finasteride or minoxidil in the last two years. Each patient had one treatment and a second at three months. A photographic protocol was used to record changes at the time of first treatment, second treatment and three months after the second treatment (six months). As an observational study the evaluation was limited to before and after observations with the patient as his / her control. Two independent evaluators were recruited to assess the change after treatment according to the Jaeschke scale. The results showed that 62/64 patients showed an improvement by evaluator 1 and all 64 patients by evaluator 2. PRP injections have gained momentum as a popular treatment in the UK for skin rejuvenation and a natural way of treating fine lines and wrinkles so I think this pilot study opens the door for huge potential in research studies comparing methods and treatment protocols. As a new user of this treatment for the scalp I was particularly encouraged to see the results and am enthusiastic to see how this evolves particularly if used alongside hair transplant treatments or a treatment to potentially delay the need for transplant surgery. This is a well written piece of research.
Platelet-rich plasma from androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study
Reviewed by Victoria Smith
Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study.
CONTRIBUTOR
Victoria Whiteley
BSc (Hons), ITEC, VTCT, Aesthetic Phlebology Practitioner, Director of The Whiteley Clinic.
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