| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2019 | Volume
: 11
| Issue : 2 | Page : 68-79 |
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A study to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Kuldeep Verma, Gita Ram Tegta, Ghanshyam Verma, Mudita Gupta, Ajeet Negi, Reena Sharma
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, IGMC, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Correspondence Address:
Kuldeep Verma
1365, Ram Janki Puram Colony, Mehndi Bagh, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_64_18
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Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men with limited treatment options. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the newer treatment options in the management of AGA which has shown promising results. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed at comparing the clinical efficacy of PRP therapy with minoxidil therapy. Materials and Methods: In the study, patients were randomized into two groups – Group A (given PRP therapy) and Group B (given minoxidil therapy). Both groups were followed up over a period of 6 months, and final analysis was done with the help of global photography, hair pull test, standardized hair growth questionnaire, patient satisfaction score; in addition, a comparison of platelet counts in PRP was done, to know that if a clinical correlation exists between platelet concentration and clinical improvement. A total of 40 patients clinically diagnosed with AGA were enrolled in the study with 20 patients in each group. Four patients from Group A (PRP) and six patients from Group B (minoxidil) could not complete the treatment for 6 months and were eventually excluded. Results: At the end of 6 months, 30 patients were evaluated to compare the efficacy of intradermal PRP and topical minoxidil therapy. On global photography, Group A (PRP) was found to have a comparatively better outcome than Group B (minoxidil). In hair pull test, hair growth questionnaire, and patient satisfaction score, Group A was found to be better than Group B. Mean platelet count at baseline was 3.07 ± 0.5 lac/mm, 3 while platelet count in final PRP prepared was 12.4 ± 1.7 lac/mm, and patients with a higher platelet count in PRP had a much better clinical improvement compared to patients with a low platelet count in PRP. Side effects with PRP therapy were minimal with better results which may improve the compliance of the patient. Conclusion: PRP therapy can be a valuable alternative to topical minoxidil therapy in the treatment of AGA.
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