Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise as an androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. OBJECTIVE:Conduct a randomized placebo-controlled split-scalp study to investigate PRP's effects on hair regrowth and thickness. METHODS:35 study participants with AGA had two 7.6-centimeter x 7.6-centimeter squares tattooed on their scalps. Areas were randomly assigned to intradermal injection with PRP or saline. Subjects underwent three monthly treatment sessions with evaluation three months after final treatment. RESULTS:(p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hair density change between the two groups (p > 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:Possible PRP diffusion due to split-scalp study design as well as microinjections causing micro-injury to both sides. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:PRP may have benefit in increasing hair density.