Faculty Bibliography

Monitoring both subjective and objective responses to alopecia treatment is critical for assessing patient perception and therapeutic efficacy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a widely used treatment for alopecia, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA), yet the correlation between patient-reported outcomes and trichometric measurements remains poorly defined. This retrospective study analyzed data from 56 alopecia patients treated with PRP at NYU Langone Health between November 2017 and March 2025. Patients were categorized as "improved," "stable," or "worse" based on self-assessments, and changes in hair density and width were evaluated over the course of PRP treatment. Spearman's rank correlation and Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum Tests were used for statistical analysis. Results showed that patient-reported outcomes correlated significantly with changes in hair density (p = 0.0006), but not hair width (p = 0.2688). The greatest increase in hair density was observed in the "improved" group (+ 18.9 hairs/cm²), with a more modest gain in the "stable" group (+ 7.6 hairs/cm²), while the "worse" group experienced a decrease (- 19.7 hairs/cm²). Differences in density across all three groups were statistically significant (p = 0.0012), whereas width changes were not (p = 0.5009). Subgroup analysis of AGA patients yielded similar findings. These results suggest that patient perception aligns more closely with density changes than width changes. Combining subjective assessments with objective measurements enhances clinical decision-making, expectation management, and holistic evaluation of PRP treatment efficacy in alopecia patients.

Premature hair graying (PHG) is the early loss of natural hair color, influenced by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This review discusses the significant psychological impacts of PHG and explores its underlying mechanisms, related health conditions, and available treatments. The review examines the roles of genetics, oxidative stress, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet in premature graying. It also considers associated medical conditions and current and emerging treatment options. This overview aims to improve understanding of PHG and its broader implications.

Performance-enhancing drugs, such as testosterone, are used by athletes and youth to increase muscle growth and strength, particularly among males. However, these therapies potentially pose health risks, including liver toxicity, gynecomastia, and hair loss. Testosterone use is rising for performance enhancement, physical appearance, and resistance training, but there remains an absence of standardized guidelines for safe dosages. This study examines the relationship between testosterone use and hair health in males, aiming to develop guidelines for safe, responsible testosterone use. Understanding treatment outcomes in this context is crucial for informed healthcare.

Minoxidil has become an increasingly popular treatment option for hair loss disorders including androgenetic alopecia, cicatricial alopecia, and alopecia areata. There are various minoxidil formulations available including topical, oral, and injectable minoxidil. While injectable minoxidil may offer certain advantages, potential risks and costs should also be considered. First, we explore the enhanced bioavailability of injectable minoxidil in comparison to topical and oral formulations, as well as the variability in sulfotransferase enzyme levels and its role in the activation of minoxidil at hair follicles. Furthermore, we expand upon the potential adverse effects associated with injectable minoxidil given its widespread systemic distribution. We also highlight the importance of considering cost, access, and availability of injectable minoxidil given that injections are significantly more expensive than oral minoxidil tablets and involve the additional obstacle of frequent dermatology visits. Depending on geographic region and socioeconomic status, many patients may not live in sufficiently close proximity to a dermatologist for this level of care. Finally, we emphasize the need for ongoing research efforts to compare the efficacy, access, and tolerability of injectable minoxidil, alternative minoxidil formulations, and other alopecia medications.