ABSTRACT
Background Limited data are available on the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling versus PRP alone. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of PRP and microneedling with PRP alone in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methodology This prospective, randomized, interventional study was conducted in Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from September 2020 to December 2020. In total, 60 individuals suffering from AGA of up to Hamilton-Norwood grade 4 were randomly assigned to two groups, namely, PRP+microneedling versus PRP alone. A total of three sessions, each one month apart, were offered. Pre and post-intervention photographs, hair count (/cm2), hair-pull test, and physician's and patient's perception of hair loss were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed. Results A greater proportion of patients in the microneedling group achieved a negative hair-pull test and improved perception of hair loss compared to the PRP-alone group (82.1% vs. 51.9% and 88.0% vs. 73.9%, respectively). The percentage increase in mean hair count in the microneedling group (24.53 ± 9.49%) was significantly higher than the increase in the PRP-alone group (17.88 ± 10.15%) (p = 0.011). For grades 2 and 3 hair loss, microneedling+PRP caused a much greater increase in hair count than PRP alone. This difference was less pronounced for Norwood grade 4. No notable side effects were noted in any patient. Conclusions Combined PRP and microneedling is more efficacious than PRP alone in patients with AGA up to Hamilton-Norwood grade 4.
ABSTRACT
Introduction The clinicopathological description of dermatological manifestations of COVID-19 leaves much to be desired. There is a need to determine their association with disease severity, outcome, and other clinical variables. Objectives The objectives of this study are to record and histopathologically examine the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and correlate these to age, disease severity, and mortality. Methods All confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a single tertiary healthcare hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, were included. Their diseases were classified as mild, moderate, severe, and critical. The recent onset skin eruptions in these patients were recorded via photographs along with relevant clinical data. The photographs were independently reviewed by a group of three dermatologists without knowledge of the clinical information. The skin manifestations were divided into disease-specific and nonspecific categories using an already defined algorithm. Histopathological examination of skin manifestations was conducted. Results A total of 23% (n=47) had "new" skin manifestations. Specific skin findings were seen in 21.6% (n=44), which consisted of ecchymosis/purpura in 50% (n=22), maculopapular exanthem in 18% (n=8), livedo reticularis in 16.2% (n=7), ischemia/gangrene in 16.2% (n=7), perniosis in 15.9 % (n=7), vesiculo-bullous rash in 9% (n=4) and urticaria in 4% (n=1). Non-specific findings were seen in 6% (n=13) and included bedsores, dermatitis passivata, dryness, herpes labialis, oral ulcerations, and nasogastric tube-induced ulcerations. There was a significant association (p=0.03) between disease severity and specific skin lesions. Ischemia/gangrene was significantly associated with COVID-19 disease severity and mortality. Vesiculobullous lesions were associated with higher mortality, though not with disease severity. Livedo reticularis had a higher-than-expected count in critical disease, albeit statistically insignificant. The association of maculopapular exanthem and ecchymosis/purpura with severe/critical disease was statistically insignificant. Urticaria was significantly associated with low disease severity. Mean age with specific manifestations was 56.86 ± 15.81 and with nonspecific/without any manifestations was 42.58 ± 16.96, a highly significant difference, with p-value < 0.001. Old age (>60 years) was significantly associated with ecchymosis (p=0.038), maculopapular exanthem (p=0.021), and vesiculo-bullous rash (p=0.029). Histopathology varied according to the type of skin lesion. Conclusions Dermatological manifestations coexist in many patients and tend to appear more in severe cases of COVID-19 among the older age group and only minimally in mild/moderate cases. Their presence could help set prognostic criteria of COVID-19 disease in the future.
