Comparative study of efficacy of minoxidil versus minoxidil with platelet rich plasma versus minoxidil with dermaroller in androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss and is recognized as having significant psychological effects on affected patients with a negative impact on QOL. Drug therapies specifically approved by FDA for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are limited to minoxidil and finasteride. There are limited three arm studies comparing treatment modalities in AGA, hence we undertook this study to compare the 3 most common, affordable therapeutic modalities used currently in AGA and their effects.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a prospective comparative parallel group interventional study. 90 subjects recruited into 3 groups, group A treated with minoxidil alone, group B with minoxidil and dermaroller and group C with minoxidil and platelet rich plasma (PRP).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of 5 months 50% patients in group C showed moderate improvement which was found to be superior to the other treatment groups. On the basis of global photographs secondary efficacy analysis was done and all arms were found to have slight improvement. Dermoscopic analysis done at baseline and 5 months showed that group C showed maximum improvement. Pain was the most common side effect noted in group C while pruritus and seborrheic dermatitis was seen more in group A. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study showed best results in patients treated with PRP and minoxidil. They have emerged as new non-surgical treatment modalities for AGA, with minimal side effects, good safety profile and patient satisfaction. There are limited three arm studies comparing the efficacy and side effect profile of these 3 modalities in AGA. </p><p> </p>

Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review

“…[ 14 ] n = 11 (f); AGA Combination: 5% minoxidil + MN added to ongoing hair loss treatments 5% minoxidil + MN twice per month added to ongoing hair loss treatments MN automated pen, session endpoints marked as two passes across the frontal, crown, vertex, and upper-parietal scalp 6, twice every month 3 months Photographic evaluation, self assessments Yes Investigators noted that 11/11 subjects improved at least 1–1.5 Sinclair scores No serious events reported 1 Gowda et al. [ 15 ] n = 90 (m); AGA Combination: 5% minoxidil, PRP Group 1: 5% minoxidil Group 2: 5% minoxidil + MN Group 3: 5% minoxidil + PRP injections MN roller, 1.50 mm needles, session endpoints marked as passes longitudinally, vertically, and diagonally until pinpoint bleeding noted 4, once every month 4 months Hair counts, photographic evaluation Yes Hair counts increased in groups 1, 2, and 3; investigators noted improvements in group 3 No serious events reported in MN group 1 Shome et al. [ 16 ] n = 50 (25 m, 25 f); AGA Combination: intradermal versus MN delivery of growth factor solution Group 1: intradermal QR678 Neo(®) Group 2: MN + QR678 Neo(®) topical MN roller, 1.50 mm needles, session endpoints marked as 4–5 passes longitudinally, vertically, and diagonally until light erythema noted 8, once every 3 weeks 12 months Hair counts, hair diameters, photographic evaluation, self assessments Yes Hair counts and hair diameters increased in groups 1 and 2; no difference in changes to hair counts and diameters in group 1 versus 2 No serious events reported; transient scalp itchiness higher in group 2 2 Ozcan et al.…”

“…Of the seven studies testing MN with 5% minoxidil, six found statistically significantly increased hair counts versus 5% minoxidil alone, and for a range of devices and needle lengths: rollers, automated pens, and fractional radiofrequency devices with depths from 0.60 to 2.50 mm [11,15,18,19,21,23,25]. However, Sohng et al tested 5% minoxidil with a 0.25 mm needling stamp twice-weekly and found no effect on hair parameters [13].…”

Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pattern Hair Loss in Male and Female Patients

“…According to Shah et al, microneedling with PRP plus topical minoxidil 5% has been significantly more effective than topical minoxidil 5% alone [ 16 ]. Furthermore, Gowda et al reported statistically superior results of PRP plus minoxidil vs. minoxidil alone and vs. a dermaroller plus minoxidil [ 17 ]. Another comparative study reported good response in the minoxidil 5% side in 41%, moderate response in 20%, and poor response in 39%, whereas for the PRP plus minoxidil 5% side good response has been reported in 59%, moderate response in 16%, and poor response in 25% of the patients [ 18 ].…”