Injectable platelet rich fibrin therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a series of 15 cases

Abstract

<p>Androgen dependent hair loss is the most common cause of progressive hair loss due to androgenetic miniaturization of hair follicles. Grade 1 and 2 of alopecia is managed well with topical and oral modalities, however grade 3 onwards the need adjuvant treatment arises. To evaluate the efficacy, safety profile and feasibility of injectable-platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF) in androgenetic alopecia and assess the patient satisfaction with this new treatment modality, we conducted a pilot study. Here, 15 patients of androgenetic alopecia were treated with injectable PRF and micro-needling at 2 weekly interval for 4 sittings with a background therapy of minoxidil, finasteride and multivitamin supplements. Monitoring was done with clinical photographs and dermoscopic evaluation prior to each session and a standard assessment questionnaire was given at the end of the study. A significant improvement in hair growth was observed clinically with positive score of 7.42 on the patient satisfaction scale and visible changes were noticed on clinical photographs and dermoscopy. Hence, we concluded that I-PRF is safe, easy, time and cost-effective adjuvant modality for managing androgenetic alopecia with some theoretical advantages over PRP.</p>