Abstract
Low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used for promoting hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Our institute developed a new home-use LLLT device, RAMACAP, with optimal penetrating energy, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy and compliance. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new helmet-type LLLT device in the treatment of AGA, a 24-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Forty subjects with AGA (20 men and 20 women) were randomized to treat with a laser helmet (RAMACAP) or a sham helmet in the home-based setting for 24 weeks. Hair density, hair diameter, and adverse events were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 8, 16, and 24. Global photographic assessment for hair regrowth after 24 weeks of treatment was performed by investigators and subjects. Thirty-six subjects (19 in the laser group and 17 in the sham group) completed the study. At week 24, the laser helmet was significantly superior to the sham device for increasing hair density and hair diameter (p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively) and showed a significantly greater improvement in global photographic assessment by investigators and subjects. Reported side effects included temporary hair shedding and scalp pruritus. In conclusion, the novel helmet-type LLLT device appears to be an effective treatment option for AGA in both male and female patients with minimal adverse effects. However, the limitations of this study are small sample size, no long-term follow-up data, and use of inappropriate sham devices, which do not reflect the true negative control. Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=2061, identifier TCTR20160910003.
Highlights
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder, which affects approximately 80% and 50% of Caucasian men and women by age 70, respectively [1, 2]
A 24-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled clinical trial was conducted at a universitybased hospital (Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand)
Apart from anecdotal evidence and non-controlled studies, level laser/light therapy (LLLT) showed superior hair growth-promoting effects in men and women with AGA compared to the sham-operating control group in eight randomized controlled clinical trials with the end point varying from 16 to 26 weeks
Summary
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder, which affects approximately 80% and 50% of Caucasian men and women by age 70, respectively [1, 2]. It is characterized by the gradual transformation of terminal to vellus-like hairs resulting in hair thinning with a characteristic pattern. Men are presented with anterior hairline recession and hair thinning on the vertex. In women, this disorder, called female pattern hair loss (FPHL), manifests with diffuse. The precise mechanisms of action are not yet well established, strong evidence suggests that LLLT acts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
