Use of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma (A-PRP) on Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Alopecia reduces perceptions of age, beauty, success, and adaptability. Hair loss can be caused by genetic, physiological, environmental, and immunologic factors. The current treatment for alopecia is varied. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates activated platelet rich plasma (A-PRP) for alopecia treatment. Objectives The objective of this review was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous activated PRP (A-PRP) injections in alopecia patients. We compare the safety, limitations, and outcomes of A-PRP use with those of prior research on alopecia. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar for relevant articles. We included all primary clinical studies involving patients that evaluated A-PRP. Results Twenty-nine articles met the eligibility criteria, which included 864 patients, and were analyzed for qualitative review. Our review found that 27 studies indicated that A-PRP is significantly effective in treating alopecia, especially for improving hair density before and after therapy (n = 184, MD = 46.5, I2 = 88%, 95% CL 29.63–63.37, P 0.00001) as well as when comparison is made between treatment and control group (n = 88, MD = 31.61, I2 = 80%, 95% CI: 6.99-56.22, P = 0.01); terminal hair density between treatment and control group (n = 55, MD = 26.03, I2 = 25%, 95% CI 8.08-43.98, P = 0.004); hair counts after therapy (n = 85, MD = 12.79, I2 = 83%, 95% CI -5.53, 31.12, P = 0.0006); promoting hair regrowth; folliculogenesis; reducing hair loss; combining with FUs surgery; and initiating the hair cycle. Two studies did not report significant results. Conclusions This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of A-PRP as a treatment option for alopecia. A-PRP appears to be a promising and safe method for treating alopecia.