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Selected Publication:
Gressenberger, P.
Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Medical University of Graz; 2021. pp. 109
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Gary Thomas
- Kopera Daisy
- Wolf Peter
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background Platelet-rich plasma injections are presented as an effective and low-side-effect option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, however, reliable study data concerning this therapy are lacking. Objective This trial was designed to explore the efficacy of this treatment option. Materials and Methods Thirty healthy male patients with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Five PRP-treatments at intervals of four to six weeks were performed. Two follow-up examinations were done. Twenty subjects were treated with PRP and 10 subjects were treated with physiological saline (placebo). Treatment efficacy was measured by calculating the hair number and hair diameter with the TrichoScan system. Secondary objective was the clinical improvement, which was evaluated by an independent reviewer using patient photographs and a 5-point Likert scale. In addition, patient satisfaction was assessed by a survey. Results No significant improvements in hair number or hair diameter were observed in either group. Hair growth in clinical appearance also did not show any improvement. Surprisingly, despite these negative results, the majority of subjects in both groups declared themselves at least partially satisfied with the result. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that platelet-rich plasma as a monotherapy does not improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.