Platelet Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia- A Prospective Study.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common cause of hair loss in males and this has profound effect on the quality of life of patients. There are various treatment modalities and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is one with promising effect in various studies. It contains platelets at a concentration of more than one million and contains various growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factors, epidermal growth factors which promote hair growth. As it is autologous, it has very few side effects.METHODS20 patients with AGA belonging to the age group 18- 40 years, Hamilton Norwood Stage 1-4 who attended dermatology OPD were included. Dermoscopic analysis of hair count was done at a specific distance from left medial eyebrow; the hair density was noted; images were taken and recorded. PRP was prepared by Manual Double Spin method; Under local anaesthesia, both spray technique and microdermabrasion injection technique were done. The procedure was repeated every 3 months and dermoscopy was done at each visit at the fixed site. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA test and paired t test for these groups.RESULTS83% had decrease in hair fall and 72% reported increase in hair growth at 3 months. Pain was the most common side effect. There was significant increase in hair density at each visit and there was negative correlation between duration of disease and increase in hair density.