Publication:

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

Background 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.

Methods 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).

Results 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.

Conclusions 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.