BACKGROUND Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a hereditary, androgen-dependent dermatological disorder more common in men. It is occasionally seen in women. It commonly begins by 20 years of age and affects nearly 50% of men by the age of 50 years. It is a progressive thinning of the scalp hair in a defined pattern causing significant lowering of the self-esteem and psychological well-being of the patient. The treatment modalities are limited, mainly minoxidil, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and hair transplantation. Few treatment options and those too having side effects prompted the discovery of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). (1) The basic idea behind PRP injection is to deliver high concentrations of growth factors to the scalp with the hope of stimulating hair regrowth. PRP is an autologous preparation of platelets in concentrated plasma. Although, the optimal PRP platelet concentration is unclear, the current method by which the PRP is prepared reports 300-700% enrichment with platelets concentration consequently increasing to more than 1,000,000 platelets. PRP has attracted attention in several medical fields, because of its ability to promote wound healing. (2) Activation of alpha granules of platelets releases numerous proteins including platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL-1). It is hypothesised that growth factors released from platelets may act as a stem cell in the bulge area of the follicles stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting neovascularisation. Aims and Objectives-This is uncontrolled clinical trial done to know the safety, efficacy and feasibility of PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia in both male and female patterns hair loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was uncontrolled clinical trial. A total of 32 patients were selected, out of which 18 patients suffering from hair loss due to androgenic alopecia (56%) and 14 cases of female pattern hair loss (44%) not responding to 6 months treatment with minoxidil and finasteride were included in the study. A total volume of 2 to 3 cc of PRP was injected in the scalp using an insulin syringe. The treatment was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 4 times. The outcome was accessed after 3 months by clinical examination, by taking photos and doing hair pull test.
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