Plasma Rich in Growth Factors as an Adjuvant Treatment for the Management of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Observational Clinical Study

Abstract

Background Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia in which the exact etiopathogenesis has not been completely elucidated and the available treatments are not very effective. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has shown to induce folliculogenesis in hair loss related disorders. However, the scientific evidence when facing FFA is scarce. Objectives The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the adjuvant use of PRGF compared to the conventional treatment in the management of FFA. Methods Participants with clinically diagnosed FFA who had been treated with either conventional therapy (Control Group) or conventional therapy combined with PRGF (PRGF Group) were identified from the center’s medical records. The clinical assessment was based on the “Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Score” (FFASS), which was fulfilled during a period of two and 4 years. Results This study included 118 patients with clinically diagnosed FFA (Control Group: 57 and PRGF Group: 61). No adverse effects related to the treatments were observed. Both treatments showed to halt the steady progression of hair loss compared to baseline. PRGF treatment also induced significant hair regrowth compared to the Control Group. The scalp inflammation was reduced in response to treatments. The FFASS score indicated that PRGF Group improved the symptoms and severity of FFA in a significant manner. Conclusions The adjuvant use of PRGF may exert long-term beneficial effects on hair loss reduction and might reduce the symptoms and severity of FFA.

The Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatment Dilemma

“…Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) PRP and PRGF contain growth factors that may positively influence hair growth and maintain the integrity of the hair follicle [69][70][71]. A retrospective study involving 118 patients showed that adding PRGF to the treatment regimen contributed to more frequent achievement of disease stabilization and reduction in inflammation, as well as hair regrowth [71]. In one reported case, the addition of PRP to systemic therapy for five treatments led to a reduction in erythema and perifollicular hyperkeratosis within 1 month [72].…”