Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Therapy

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a solution of concentrated platelets, has been widely used to promote wound repair and tissue regeneration. Two types of PRP can be prepared, pure PRP and leukocyte-rich PRP. Pure PRP is composed mainly of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets in concentrated plasma, whereas leukocyte-rich PRP contains RBCs, platelets, and leukocytes. Experimental and clinical investigations have demonstrated that PRP stimulates hair follicle reconstruction and that treatments with PRP are effective and safe in treating pattern hair loss. In particular, treatments with leukocyte-rich PRP injection alone or in combination with placental extract or polydeoxyribonucleotide injections have been found to induce clinical improvements in both hair counts and hair thickness, along with increased expression of platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor, in patients with pattern hair loss. In regards to side effects, pain during the procedure is tolerable for most patients. Transient posttreatment edema and tenderness, mild itching sensations, and desquamation may also appear. Notwithstanding, further prospective studies with a controlled/split human scalp design should be conducted to confirm the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous leukocyte-rich PRP treatment in patients with pattern hair loss.