Clinical Evaluation of Intradermal Platelet Rich Plasma Administration along with Oral Biotin Supplement for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Adult Males: A Randomised Clinical Tria

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenetic Alopecia (AA) is characterised by progressive-patterned hair loss from the scalp affecting males and females alike. Miniaturisation of the hair follicle with associated hereditary tendency is one of the major primary causal factors for the pathogenesis of AA. Various treatment modalities have been proposed for the management of AA including minoxidil, finastride, etc.; however, they are associated with known side-effects. Aim: To evaluate the effect of intradermal Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) administration, along with oral biotin supplement for the management of AA in males. Materials and Methods: The present randomised clinical study was conducted at Department of Dermatology, B.J. Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India from January 2012 to May 2013. A total of 40 healthy adult males of Indian origin, with a history of hair loss, completed the 12 month trial. They were equally randomised into two groups. Subjects enrolled in group A (n=20) received intradermal administration of autologous PRP, every 15 days for three months along with oral biotin tablets, once daily for three months, while those in group B (n=20) received oral biotin tablets, once daily for three months. Hair regrowth was evaluated using a standardised 7-point rating scale at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months intervals, by the same investigator. Chi-square test was used to statistically assess the data. The p-value for significance was established at <0.05. Results: Individuals in group A had mean age of 32.3±6.1 years and showed statistically significant (p-value <0.05) increase in hair regrowth at 6 months, 9 and 12 months; compared to Group B with mean age of 30.7±5.2 years. Conclusion: Intradermal administration of PRP along with oral biotin tablet supplementation resulted in a statistically significant increase in hair regrowth, without any remarkable side-effects. PRP is a safe and effective treatment modality in adult males, with AA.