Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Alopecia Areata Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in treating alopecia areata. Methods. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify any article evaluating the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of alopecia areata and comparing platelet-rich plasma with other treatment modalities. Results. Nine studies were included based on our inclusion criteria with a total of 616 patients. Various evaluations of alopecia areata treatment efficacy with platelet-rich plasma, including the comparison between platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone acetonide, minoxidil, placebo, and other methods, such as fractional carbon dioxide laser and microneedling, were conducted in the included studies. The main results revealed that platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone acetonide are both effective in the treatment of alopecia areata. However, the treatment response was in favor of platelet-rich plasma. Also, minoxidil showed positive effects on the treatment of alopecia areata alongside platelet-rich plasma. Platelet-rich plasma also has significantly better effects on alopecia areata compared to placebo. Most of the side effects of treatment of alopecia areata with platelet-rich plasma were minor, including burning sensation, pain during injection, erythema, edema, ecchymosis, crust formation, and headache. Conclusion. Based on the evidence reviewed, it is suggested that platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective treatment option for alopecia areata. Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma has the advantage of being a steroid-sparing therapy, reducing the reliance on corticosteroids. The use of platelet-rich plasma is associated with fewer complications compared to other treatment modalities.