New tool in our arsenal: efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in androgenetic alopecia treatment

Abstract

Objective

This study assesses the short-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in managing androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

AGA, a common genetic condition leading to hair loss, significantly affects the quality of life. Given the limited efficacy of existing treatments, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the potential of i-PRF, a biotherapeutic agent enriched with growth factors and cell proliferation promoters, to enhance hair regeneration and ameliorate the microenvironment of hair follicles.

Methods

A prospective, single-center study enrolled 30 AGA patients with inadequate responses to conventional treatments. Participants received six monthly i-PRF injections. Assessments included hair scoring (hair density, vellus hair percentage, and hair shaft diameter), treatment efficacy, physician’s visual subjective scoring, scalp inflammation scoring (folliculitis, greasiness, dandruff, and itching), Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) scores, patient satisfaction scoring, and monitoring for adverse reactions post-injection.

Results

At the 6-month mark, an 80% response rate was achieved, with significant improvements in hair loss and scalp symptoms as per hair scoring, physician’s visual subjective scoring, scalp inflammation scoring, DLQI scoring, and patient satisfaction scoring compared to baseline.

Conclusion

i-PRF effectively enhances hair density and alleviates scalp symptoms in AGA patients, demonstrating notable therapeutic effects with minimal adverse reactions, offering a promising new avenue for AGA treatment.