Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy versus topical Minoxidil in men with moderate androgenetic alopecia: a randomized open-label trial

Abstract

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an adjunctive treatment in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Its role as a monotherapy, when compared to FDA-approved therapies in moderate grades of androgenetic alopecia is not established.

Objectives

We sought to study the efficacy and safety of standardized non-activated PRP preparation against topical minoxidil in AGA.

Methods

Men aged 20–50 with Grade III and IV (Modified Hamilton-Norwood) AGA were randomized to receive 5% Minoxidil (×6 months) or PRP injections (monthly ×3). The primary endpoints were global photographic assessment at week 24, change in target area hair counts, density, and anagen hair at week 12. Other outcomes were subjects’ satisfaction and adverse events.

Results

In total, 64 participants were randomized. At week 24, 56% responded to Minoxidil arm and 38% to PRP (p = 0.124). There was a significant increase in target area hair count and density at week 12 within the groups. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Adverse events occurred in 53% and 37% of the PRP and minoxidil groups, respectively. Patient satisfaction was better with Minoxidil.

Conclusion

PRP is effective in the treatment of moderate grades of androgenetic alopecia in men, although perhaps not different from minoxidil. Side effects occur more frequently with PRP.

Keywords:

• Androgenetic alopecia; platelet-rich plasma
• topical minoxidil
• global photography
• phototrichogram

Ethics approval

The study was approved by the Institutional scientific and ethics committee (JIP/IEC/2019/465) on 11-02-2020.

Patient consent

The researchers obtained patient consent for scientific publication.

Author contributions

Mithinkumar was involved in protocol drafting, running the treatment, and assisting in drafting the manuscript. Rashmi Kumari screened subjects of AGA for recruitment and provided inputs for the protocol and final draft. Sivaranjini was involved in protocol refining, screened subjects for recruitment, lead the draft of the manuscript and overall supervised. Dermatosurgery fellow in the department handled the random table and allocation. Two other experienced dermatologists in the department, blinded to the allocation, did the outcome assessment. A blinded statistician in the institution did data analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [SR], upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Institutional (JIPMER) Intramural funds, Ref: JIP/Res/Intramural/sub com/2020-21, dated 11th September 2020 for purchase of minoxidil and PRP preparation.