Hair Counts Research Articles

Shock Waves for Hair Growth and Regeneration in Patients With Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is women's most common form of alopecia. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and regeneration in women with FPHL. A prospective single-center noncontrolled study was conducted in patients with FPHL who underwent eight treatment sessions with C-Actor, a shock wave applicator. Outcome measures included total hair count, number of follicular units (FUs)-single FUs, double FUs, triple and bigger FUs-the average thickness, cumulative hair thickness, and changes in the Derived Sinclair scale, assessed with Tricholab (Fotofinder System). Patients completed a survey to assess their subjective perceptions of hair improvement regarding softness, hair loss, quality, and volume. Twenty women were included with a mean age of 43 (SD = 5.65). The mean increase in total hair count was 8.9% (p<0.00001), in number of FUs 4.6% (p = 0.00031), in number of triple and bigger FUs 18.4% (p = 0.0004), in cumulative hair thickness 8.0% (p<0.00001), with a decrease of 5.7% in mean Derived Sinclair scale value by 2.2-2.1 (p<0.0001). After 3 months, 85% of patients perceived improvement in hair volume. Extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and capillary regeneration in women with FPHL showed statistically significant outcomes, and all patients reported an improvement in hair characteristics.

Quantitative trichoscopic analysis of hair density in people attending tertiary care hospital - A cross-sectional study.

Hair is important to trace evidence commonly encountered in almost all criminal cases. Forensic anthropologists routinely compare the morphological characteristics of the hair samples to determine a transfer. Assessment of parameters such as hair density, hair diameter, follicular units, and empty hair follicle/yellow dots are useful for the diagnosis of various hair disorders, monitoring treatment outcomes, and research purposes. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between age and hair density. The present cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care center. All the subjects attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department fulfilling inclusion criteria were studied. Data were collected after the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. The procedure was explained and a written consent was taken. Each patient's hair was parted in the middle and images from a point of roughly 5 inches from the patient's glabella were taken. The parameters such as hair thickness, hair density, hair count, follicular units, and empty hair follicles/yellow dots were noted. In the present study, the majority of the study subjects belonged to the age group 26-35 years (38%), followed by 18-25 years (34.7%), 36-45 years (20.7%), and least in the age group of 46-55 years (6.7%). In the present study, the mean unit density in males was 104.78 ± 14.33 and that of females was 108.36 ± 17.60. Mean hair density varies concerning age group in the study population.

Adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium for hair regeneration therapy in alopecia: a review of literature.

To date, therapeutic choices for alopecia have shown limited effectiveness and safety, making the discovery of new therapeutic choices challenging. Adipose-derived stem cells conditioned-medium (ADSC-CM) contain various growth factors released by ADSCs that may support hair regrowth. This literature review aims to discover the effect and clinical impact of ADSC-CM in the treatment of alopecia. A comprehensive literature search was performed through four databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Scopus) in September 2021. A combination of search terms including "adipose-derived stem cells" and "alopecia" was used. Studies published in English that included ADSC-CM interventions on alopecia of all types were selected and summarized. A total of five studies were selected for review, all of which were case series. All studies showed a positive outcome for intervention. Outcomes measured in the studies include hair count or hair density, hair thickness, anagen, and telogen hair count. No adverse effects were reported from all studies. Limitations lie in the differences in intervention method, application, and length of treatment. ADSC-CM hair regeneration therapy is an effective and safe treatment for alopecia that may be combined with other types of therapy to improve outcomes.

Supporting Examinations for Hair Disorders

Hair evaluation methods are grouped into three main categories: non-invasive methods (for example: questionnaire, daily hair counts, standardized wash test, 60-s hair count, global photographs, dermoscopy, hair weight, contrasting felt examination, phototrichogram, TrichoScan, and polarizing and surface electron microscopy), semi-invasive methods (for example: trichogram and unit area trichogram), and invasive methods (for example: scalp biopsy). This article explores supporting examinations for the diagnosis of hair disorders.

A Prospective, Multi-Center Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Vegan Nutraceutical to Improve Hair Growth and Quality in Females Following a Plant-Based Diet

Hair thinning affects upwards of 50% of women by age 50, impacting their social-emotional wellbeing. It is a condition now thought to be driven by a multi-factorial etiology, including diet and nutrition. Women following vegan, vegetarian, or other plant-based diets have specific needs for nutrients traditionally sourced from animals, which could affect hair health.&nbsp;To support hair growth and quality in women following a plant-based diet, a novel vegan nutraceutical (Nutrafol Women's Vegan Capsules, Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc., New York, NY) was evaluated for its ability to support hair health. The objectives of this 6-month, multi-site, single-blind prospective clinical study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nutraceutical to improve hair growth and quality in women consuming a plant-based diet. The primary endpoint in this study was an increase in terminal hair count at day 180 compared with baseline, as assessed through phototrichogram analysis. Ninety-five subjects completed the study.&nbsp;Daily intake of the nutraceutical resulted in a significant increase in the number of terminal hairs at day 90 (P&lt;0.01) and day 180 (P&lt;0.01). There was also an increase in total hair counts (P&lt;0.01), the terminal-to-vellus ratio (P&lt;0.01), and a decrease in shedding (P&lt;0.01). Global Investigator Ratings revealed improved hair growth (P&lt;0.00001) and overall quality (P&lt;0.00001). In-person hair strength and brittleness assessments significantly improved as well (P&lt;0.01 for both). A significant proportion of subjects reported improved hair quality, appearance, texture, and volume. Hair problems affecting the quality of life of the subjects were also reported as improved. This study demonstrated significant improvements in hair growth and quality in a plant-based population with a vegan nutraceutical. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05332743. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):661-668.&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.8421.

From Agriculture to Clinics: Unlocking the Potential of Magnetized Water for Planetary and Human Health.

Magnetized water (MW) is a form of liquid water that has been exposed to a magnetic field to alter its hydrogen bonding structure, resulting in the formation of water molecule clusters of various sizes and configurations connected by hydrogen bonds. This magnetization process induces several changes in the physicochemical properties of water, such as increased pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen content, as well as decreased surface tension, density, and evaporation temperature compared to untreated water. In this narrative review, we explore the effective utilization of MW in agriculture, where it has a well-established history of applications, and its potential for direct applications in the medical field, which are currently at the forefront of research. MW is one of the most promising innovations for facilitating the transition from unsustainable to sustainable agriculture, which is expected to yield positive human health outcomes by promoting the consumption of less processed foods and reducing resource consumption. In addition to these indirect effects on human health, preclinical research utilizing animal models has demonstrated that water magnetization exerts beneficial effects on diabetes, renal function, bone health, and fertility. These health benefits appear to stem from the ability of MW to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes while decreasing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers. In terms of direct human applications, MW has been primarily studied in the fields of dentistry and dermatology. MW mouthrinse has consistently shown efficacy against Streptococcus mutans, with studies reporting comparable effects to chlorhexidine. In dermatology, the topical application of MW has demonstrated improvements in skin biophysical parameters, increased hair count and hair mass index, and promoted the healing of challenging wounds. Intriguingly, these effects on human skin seem to be mediated by local activation of autophagy, potentially through mild alkaline stress. In conclusion, this review underscores the promising role of MW in promoting a holistic approach to planetary and human health. Future studies should focus on standardizing the magnetization process, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying MW-induced autophagy, and investigating the potential of MW as a complementary strategy for treating human diseases characterized by impaired autophagy.

The Efficacy of Intralesional Pentoxifylline Injection versus the Standard Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection in The Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Abstract Background Alopecia areata is a nonscarring skin disease affecting the scalp or other body parts. The etiology of AA is still controversial and various pathogenic causes are under investigation. Several treatment modalities are used in managing AA. Objective to evaluate the efficacy and safety of (PTX) injection in treatment of localized AA compared to intralesional corticosteroids TRA on 30 patients with multiple patches of AA. Patients and Methods The current study was a prospective intra-patient comparative controlled clinical trial. Patients were recruited form outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Ain Shams University Hospital in the period from November 2019 to May 2020. 30 Egyptian patients (11 males &amp;19 females) with at least three patches were enrolled to the study. The diagnosis of AA patients enrolled in the study based on clinical signs. Results To sum up, both PTX and ILCS has good results in treatment of AA, as each of them has its own advantages. Corticosteroids are rapidly acting while PTX effects are delayed but increased progressively throughout consecutive sessions. So using corticosteroids in combination with PTX can augment each other and give better results. Conclusion Treatment of AA with intralesional PTX exerted significant increase in hair density, total hair count, terminal hair count and percentage of terminal hair which is evident after completion of the sessions. Treatment with ILCS exerted significant increase hair density, total hair count, terminal hair count and percentage of terminal hair after treatment. Comparison of both treatment modalities revealed slight better response with PTX compared to ILCS. In conclusion, the current study revealed that Intralesional combined administration of PTX and TRA can be beneficial for patients suffering from AA. Steroid showed a rapid response that could be maintained by adding PTX.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy and Safety of 10% Topical Minoxidil versus 5% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Abstract Background Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically disorder characterized by the gradual conversion of terminal hairs into vellus hairs, called miniaturized hairs. It is an extremely common disease that affects men and women. Specifically, DP cells that are the main regulators of hair growth and are the only site of 5α-DHT action. Male-pattern hair loss; Male note gradual recession of the frontal hair line early in the process. Men present with gradual thinning in the temporal areas, producing a reshaping of the anterior part of the hair line. Aim of this Study To evaluate and compare topical minoxidil 10% versus topical minoxidil 5% in the treatment of MPHL as regards the efficacy, safety and side effects. This study included 51 patients with MPHL divided into 2 groups received topical minoxidil 5% 1ml twice daily for 6 months and the second group received topical minoxidil 10% 1ml twice daily for 6 months. Patients and Methods: Results The current study revealed that there was significant difference between the studied groups as regard the percentage of improvement in Frontal Total hair count with superiority for 10% group. But the improvement in other parameters were comparable between the studied groups. Comparison of treatment response in both groups revealed nearly the same efficacy of both concentrations of topical minoxidil 5% and 10% in MPHL, higher concentration more than 5% could decrease the compliance and the tolerance. Conclusion We found that using higher doses of topical minoxidil was associated with higher improvement in frontal total hair count and higher side effects.

An overview of incidence and mechanisms promoting weight gain as an adverse effect of oral minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia

Introduction and aim. Androgenetic alopecia, with a mechanism based on the excessive response of hair follicles to androgens, affects a majority of people at some point in their lives, prompting them to seek therapy. Current treatment options for this condition include oral minoxidil, a medication associated with an adverse effect of fluid retention, potentially resulting in weight gain for certain individuals. In contemporary scientific literature, there aren’t many articles focusing solely on this specific side effect. The objective of this review is to explore links between taking oral minoxidil and fluid retention leading to weight gain in patients with androgenetic alopecia by examining available studies in order to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and the dose dependence of fluid retention. Material and methods. A review of the literature was performed to find connections between oral minoxidil therapy and water retention-induced weight gain. Analysis of the literature. Clinical trials have demonstrated that low dose oral minoxidil therapy, within the range of 0.5 to 5 mg daily, leads to an improvement in both hair count and density. The incidence of side effects such as hypertrichosis, fluid retention, headache, dizziness, and insomnia, is relatively infrequent. Fluid retention rates varied between 0.22% in the Tanaka study and 10% of patients in the Panchaprateep study. The discontinuation of treatment was necessary in some instances, with the highest rate of 2.4% cases in the Jimenez-Cauhe study. A comparative analysis of studies on oral minoxidil use for refractory hypertension, within the range of 10 to 40 mg daily, revealed that nearly all patients required adding a diuretic to control fluid retention. Some patients discontinued the treatment due to the severity of side effects. In instances of minoxidil overdose, serious complications, including generalized edema, myocardial infarction, stroke, and pleural effusion, were observed. Across these studies, all patients recovered following the discontinuation of minoxidil treatment. The underlying mechanism behind oral minoxidil induced sodium and fluid retention, contributing to weight gain, is associated with alterations in the neurohumoral system, increased plasma renin activity, changes in renal hemodynamics with relocation of the blood circulation from outer to inner cortex, and tubular effect that can be connected to minoxidil ability to act as an opener of potassium channels in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle causing greater reabsorption of sodium and chloride. Conclusion. The frequency and severity of water retention promoting weight gain in individuals taking oral minoxidil are dose dependent. In most patients, minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia. In some cases, due to rapid weight gain of 5 pounds or more, adding a diuretic or discontinuation may be required. Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms and dose dependence of minoxidil induced fluid retention, which promotes weight gain.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Mesotherapy with Recombinant Growth Factors and Stem Cell-Conditioned Media in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesotherapy (MZT) injections of various solutions fortified with growth factors are popular treatment options for AGA. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of RPP and MZT products in the treatment of AGA. Methods: This retrospective study included 72 AGA patients treated with two PRP formulations and two MZT products, administered manually or with a gun injector. Hair parameters (hair thickness, hair density, and hair count) on frontal and vertex areas were measured before and after 6 months. Results: Over 6 months, trichoscopic parameters showed significant intragroup and intergroup variability. MZT1 and PRP2 groups exhibited statistically significant improvement in most parameters, while MZT2 significantly increased vertex hair density. Hair thickness changes differed significantly between PRP1 and PRP2 groups (unadjusted p value <0.001) and possibly between MZT1 and PRP1 groups (unadjusted p value = 0.049) in both regions. Discussion: Injections of PRP and MZT formulations can significantly enhance trichoscopic parameters in AGA patients within a 6-month period, but the extent of improvement varies among different PRP and MZT products.

A Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Extract Combination Compared to 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women. Standard treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, which can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, a natural herbal extract is required for an alternative treatment. Objectives This study aims to assess both the efficacy and safety profiles of an herbal extract comprising a combination of dihydroquercetin glucoside, epigallocatechin gallate glucoside, zinc, and glycine, compared to the minoxidil solution for the treatment of AGA. Methods About 30 males and 30 females were recruited. The males and females were divided equally into two groups (n=30), randomly receiving either a minoxidil solution or herbal extraction twice a day for 24 weeks. Clinical efficacy, total hair count, and hair mass index (HMI) were evaluated. Results A total of 30 males and 30 females completed the study. The total hair counts (hairs/cm2) at baseline in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 334.8±108.8 and 368.3±178.4, respectively, and the total hair counts at 24 weeks in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 345.0±119.2 and 391.5±183.1 (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001), respectively. The HMI in the herbal and minoxidil groups significantly increased by 25.83±17.18 and 33.70±15.17 (p=0.001, p&lt;0.001) at 24 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in total hair count and HMI between the two groups at 24 weeks (p= 0.250, p=0.065). No local adverse effects were observed in both groups. Conclusions The non-significant difference in efficacy and safety to minoxidil solution suggests that the herbal extraction could be an alternative treatment for AGA. Clinical Trial Registration Number TCTR20220927001.

Efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for androgenetic alopecia using ultrasound combined with trichoscopy.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using a combination of ultrasound and trichoscopy. Ninety patients with AGA who visited the Department of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2021 to December 2022 were prospectively selected. These patients met the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. The alopecia severity in the male patients ranged between grades 2 and 4 on the Norwood-Hamilton Scale. The patients were randomly assigned to receive injections of the same type of biological agent in a double-blind manner, with injection sites being the vertex or bilateral temporal-frontal hairline. In this study, the botulinum toxin group comprised 72 patients who received a biological agent with 100 units of type A botulinum toxin. The control group included 18 patients, and the biological agent administered to them contained 0 units of type A botulinum toxin. The patients were observed using 22-MHz ultrasound and trichoscopy before treatment, and 1 month and 3 months after treatment to compare the differences in various parameters at the injection sites. The ultrasound parameters included average follicle width, length, and count. The trichoscopy parameters were the number of hairs within a 1-cm2 area on the counting scale. No artificial interventions were performed at the injection sites, and all examination conditions were consistent. The patients in the botulinum toxin group had wider and longer average follicle width and length at the vertex 1 month and 3 months after treatment (p<0.05), and wider and longer average follicle width and length in the left frontal area 3 months after treatment (p<0.05) compared with those in the control group. The average follicle width and length gradually increased after treatment in the botulinum toxin group (p<0.05), but no statistically significant differences were found in the control group (p>0.05). The patients in the botulinum toxin group exhibited greater average follicle lengths after treatment at the vertex compared with the left frontal area (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in follicle count (p>0.05) or hair count (p>0.05) between the botulinum toxin and control groups after injection treatment. The follicle width and length are effective parameters for evaluating the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for AGA. Ultrasound revealed that the changes in follicles at the vertex occurred earlier than those in the left frontal area following treatment. Additionally, the changes in follicles were detected earlier than the changes in hair count using ultrasound. Ultrasound combined with trichoscopy provided more parameters for evaluating the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for AGA, resulting in a more comprehensive evaluation.

Improving chemotherapy-induced alopecia for women receiving anthracycline plus taxane chemotherapy using the Paxman scalp cooling system at lower temperatures.

12143 Background: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) not only impacts physical appearance but may also be detrimental to patient’s psychological well-being. To address CIA, patients often use scalp cooling devices such as the FDA-approved Paxman Scalp Cooling System (PSCS), currently approved at -5°C. This study explores the potential benefits of lower temperatures, -7.5°C and -10°C, to improve the efficacy of PSCS in minimizing CIA. Methods: This prospective study analyzed data from 33 women with stage I-III breast cancer receiving anthracycline and taxane chemo at MSKCC from 12/2019–10/2022. Photography, trichoscopy, and toxicity checks were conducted at baseline, weeks 4, 8 (primary endpoint), end of treatment (EOT), and 24 weeks post-chemotherapy. 23 patients reached week 8, while 10 withdrew prior due to lack of efficacy (5/10), change in treatment (3/10), or anxiety (2/10). Successful hair preservation (HP) was defined as CTCAE v4 grade 0 or 1 alopecia. Results: At baseline, all patients had grade 0 alopecia. At week 4, 81% achieved successful HP (17/21), and at week 8, over half maintained it (53%; 9/17). The majority had HP at EOT (69%; 11/16). At 24 weeks post-chemotherapy, all patients demonstrated continued HP (100%; 11/11) and all evaluated patients at 18 months post-treatment had grade 0 alopecia (100%,4/4). Among women with baseline photographs and trichoscopy (n=25), median average hair count at baseline was 154.0 per cm² and width 70.2 per cm². By week 4 (n=21), the median average hair count decreased by 20.0%, and width decreased by 8.0% compared to baseline. By week 8 (n=17), average count improved by 15% compared to week 4 (-3% from baseline) and average width decreased by 6% (-7.5% baseline). At EOT hair count decreased 37.8% and width decreased by 11.6% compared to baseline (n=16). At 24 weeks post-EOT there was a 13% increase in median average hair count with no measurable change in width compared to baseline (n=12). No patients (0%; 0/33) reported dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at -7.5°C (n=7) or -10°C (n=26). Conclusions: Patients successfully tolerated scalp cooling at lower temperatures, with no reported dose-limiting toxicities and successful HP. This study indicates higher HP rate at EOT (69%; 11/16) compared to studies using PSCS at -5°C. Post-EOT data shows successful hair regrowth with a higher average hair count than pre-treatment. A larger sample size is needed to assess the additional benefit of lower temperatures on HP and regrowth. Clinical trial information: NCT.[Table: see text]

Intraoral laser hair removal: A scoping review.

Intraoral hair growth is a debilitating side effect of flap or graft-based oropharyngeal reconstruction. There is no standardized treatment, but groups have successfully eradicated unwanted hair growth with intraoral laser hair removal. This scoping review assesses the utility of laser therapy in managing this condition. This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Ovid Medline, Embase (Ovid) and Scopus were queried using index terms and keywords. Resulting articles were reviewed for inclusion by two independent reviewers against inclusion criteria and relevant data were extracted. The literature search yielded 297 articles, 22 of which met inclusion criteria. In total, 77 patients were treated: 38 patients with an Alexandrite laser, 19 with an Nd:YAG laser, 18 with a diode laser, and two with a CO2 laser. Complete response defined as 80% or more reduction in hair count was achieved in 70 patients (90%) and six patients (8%) achieved a partial response (10%-79% reduction in hair count). One patient (1%) with gray hair saw less than a 10% reduction in hair count. On average, 3.84 treatment sessions were needed, spaced 5.4 weeks apart. Treatments were well tolerated without major side effects. This is the first scoping review assessing the utility of intraoral laser hair therapy and suggests it may be a safe and effective treatment. However, surgeons should advise preoperative hair removal when clinically feasible to mitigate this side effect as much as possible.

Effectiveness and safety of the ablative fractional 2940-nm Er: YAG laser for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Laser sources have established their potential effect in inducing hair regrowth. No large cohort study has evaluated the effect of ablative fractional 2940-nm erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). To investigate the efficacy and safety of the ablative fractional 2940-nm Er: YAG laser in combination with medication therapy for the treatment of AGA. We performed a retrospective study between first July 2021 to 30th December 2021. All included patients received oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, or combined with six sessions of Er: YAG laser at 2-week intervals. Patients were divided into medication or combined therapy groups. The efficacy of the two therapies was evaluated by the investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores and the patient's Likert satisfaction scale at week 12 and week 24. Changes in total, terminal and villous hair count, total and terminal hair diameter, and AGA grade were also recorded. Adverse events were evaluated at each follow-up. A total of 192 male patients with AGA were included, including 67 receiving combination treatment, and 125 receiving medication treatment. At week 24, the combination treatment afforded superior outcomes in the IGA score, patient's global assessment, total and terminal hair counts, and diameters (all P<0.05). No severe adverse events were reported in both groups. The combined therapy of ablative fractional Er: YAG laser and medication was superior in treating male AGA than single medication therapy without serious adverse effects.

Comparison between dutasteride and finasteride in hair regrowth and reversal of miniaturization in male and female androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review

Nowadays androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a common concern of affected subjects of both sexes. Finasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of male AGA. There is no clear evidence to support the use of dutasteride in male AGA. In female AGA, the effectiveness of dutasteride and finasteride is still under debate, and there is no clear evidence to use any of them in female AGA. A systematic review was conducted to compare between dutasteride and finasteride in treating both male and female AGA, and their efficacy, safety, side effects with effective dosage. The review was done using several databases including: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane using the following search terms/keywords: "Dutasteride" AND "Finasteride" AND "Male pattern hair loss" AND "Female pattern hair loss" AND "Efficacy", "Tolerability" AND "Side effects" AND "Comparison". To search for articles related to efficacy, tolerability, side effects, used doses of dutasteride and finasteride in the treatment of male and female AGA. The review encompassed a total of nine studies. Four randomized controlled trials, one single-arm trial, two prospective cohorts, and two retrospective cohort studies. Seven studies exclusively enrolled male participants, while only two included female participants. All groups receiving various doses of dutasteride and finasteride exhibited a significant increase in hair count compared to the placebo group. Notably, dutasteride (0.5 mg) and dutasteride (2.5 mg) were significantly more effective than finasteride (1 mg) in increasing hair counts. Furthermore, no significant difference in adverse events was observed between finasteride and dutasteride. Dutasteride is more potent than finasteride in treating AGA in both males and females. All the adverse events between finasteride and dutasteride were comparable.

Effect of Microneedle on Hair Regrowth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Objective Our objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of microneedle by comparing microneedle plus 5% topical minoxidil treatment and microneedle alone to 5% topical minoxidil. Methods We searched databases such as Embase, PubMed, Cochrane library, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure in relation to literature. The control group received 5% topical minoxidil solution, whereas the treatment group received either microneedle coupled with minoxidil or microneedle alone. The increase in hair count and hair diameter was the main evaluation criterion for assessing hair regrowth. Data were pooled with Stata 15 software. Results Eight studies with 472 participants were included. Compared with 5% topical minoxidil therapy, microneedle plus minoxidil treatment showed a significant increase in hair count (standard mean difference [SMD] :15.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.34, 19.31, p &lt; 0.05), but no increase in hair diameter (SMD: −0.21, 95% CI: −2.94, 2.52, p = 0.879 &gt; 0.05). The results of subgroup analysis suggested that microneedle plus minoxidil treatment showed a significant increase in hair count whether the depth of microneedle was less than 1 mm (SMD:1.16, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.42, p &lt; 0.05) or more than 1 mm (SMD:0.52, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.82, p &lt; 0.05). In terms of treatment period subgroup, microneedle combined with minoxidil therapy significantly increased hair count and hair diameter than single 5% topical minoxidil, whether in 12-week period (SMD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.76, 1.39, p &lt; 0.05) or 21 to 24 weeks period (SMD: 0.64: 95%, CI: 0.35, 0.92, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion According to this study, the effect of microneedle treatment alone on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may be limited. However, microneedle plus 5% topical minoxidil treatment had better hair regrowth in hair count and can be considered as an additional therapy option for AGA. Combined with subgroup analysis results, 12-week period and less than 1 mm depth of microneedle penetration were recommended.

Observing the clinical efficacy of combined serum microneedle therapy for moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia in scalp repair.

In this study, the safety and efficacy of scalp repair serum microneedles combined with oral drug administration and topical medication were investigated for the treatment of moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia. Twenty patients, consisting of 4 males and 16 females, who sought treatment for moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia at our hair medicine research center alopecia specialty clinic between August and December 2022 were randomly selected for the study. Male patients underwent oral administration of finasteride topical application of 5% minoxidil, and biweekly scalp repair serum microneedle therapy. Female patients were administered spironolactone or Diane-35 orally and applied 2% minoxidil topically, paired with biweekly scalp repair serum microneedle therapy sessions. After seven treatments, the scalp repair serum microneedle was discontinued, but oral administration and topical applications were continued, followed by a 1-month follow-up. Using a hair dermoscopy, hair follicles in a fixed region on the top of the head were manually counted per unit area to evaluate the hair restoration status of the patients quantitatively. All 20 patients completed 3 months of combined therapy and a 1-month follow-up. On average, the patients experienced an increase of 42.6 hairs, with an efficiency rate of 100%. Significant differences were observed in hair count between any two of the first seven treatments (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was discovered between the initial pre-treatment hair count and the total improvement of hair (p<0.001), indicating that the greater the degree of hair loss before treatment, the more pronounced the improvement. Scalp repair serum microneedle combined therapy in moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia significantly reduces the number of microneedle treatments required, enhances treatment efficacy, and improves therapeutic outcomes.

The Value of Trichoscopy in the Follow-up of Treatment Response in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia.

Although trichoscopy has been used successfully in the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), its utility in monitoring the therapeutic outcome is not clear. To investigate the value of trichoscopy in the follow-up of treatment response in patients with AGA. Ninety-five patients with AGA were included. Trichoscopic images were obtained on a 1 cm2 circular area in the left frontoparietal scalp pre- and post-treatment in all and in 61 patients, respectively. Two doctors evaluated those images who are less experienced (doctor A) and experienced (doctor B) in hair diseases and trichoscopy. Terminal, vellus and total hair count (THC, VHC, ToHC) and terminal to vellus hair (T/V) ratio were determined. These numerical data were also calculated by TrichoScan analysis of the same area. The agreement between trichoscopy and TrichoScan data was assessed. The agreement between doctor A and TrichoScan was moderate for THC and ToHC pre-treatment and good post-treatment; poor for VHC and T/V ratio pre- and post-treatment. The agreement between doctor B and TrichoScan was excellent for THC, VHC and ToHC; good for T/V ratio pre- and post-treatment. Trichoscopy, when performed by a doctor experienced in hair diseases and trichoscopy, can be used as a sensitive method in monitoring the treatment response in patients with AGA which is based on the determination of THC, VHC, ToHC and T/V ratio. If it is to be performed by a less experienced doctor, it can be preferred as a sensitive follow-up method using THC and ToHC.

The role of platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, is the commonest cause of chronic hair loss and affects up to 80% of men by the age of 70. Despite a high prevalence, there are few approved therapies, which show minimal efficacy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PrP) in the treatment of AGA in male patients. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar and the Science Citation Index database were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies related to PrP use in AGA were included. Primary outcomes included changes in hair density and hair count. Methodological quality was assessed using bias assessment tools. EightRCTs and one cohort study were included in the review with a total of 291 participants. Six studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair density in the PrP group versus the control. Five studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair count with PrP. Seven studies showed moderate risk and two showed lowrisk of bias. In a methodologically robust review on the effectiveness of PrP on male AGA, PrP demonstrated some potential to be used therapeutically. However, the low quality of evidence, moderate risk of bias, and high heterogeneity of included studies limit inferences and call for more robust designs to investigate this further.