Platelet Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Abstract

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) represents a form of scaring alopecia more frequent in postmenopausal women that presents with frontal hairline recession. It is typically classified as a variant of lichen planopilaris. Treatment of FFA can be challenging with poor long-term outcomes. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) consists of an autologous concentration of platelets in a small volume of plasma. Activated platelets secrete cytokines and growth factors and thus may have a potential role in the treatment of inflammatory scarring alopecia such as FFA. A 68-year-old female with multi-resistant FFA was treated with lesional PRP injections every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Baseline LPPAI score and phototrichograms targeting a representative area of disease activity were compared at baseline and at 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, no significant change in follicular units or follicular density from baseline to week 16 was noted. Only a minimal improvement in inflammatory activity observed clinically and through the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index was observed. The discordance between the follicular density count and observed inflammatory activity suggests a longer treatment and observational period is needed. Additionally, the frequency of PRP injections potentially may also need to be increased. Given the limited efficacy of current therapies for FFA, PRP injections may be an option in patients with refractory disease, as an adjunct to systemic therapy. Additional investigation is needed to optimize frequency of PRP injections in FFA and to better assess its true anti-inflammatory effect.