Evaluation of the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Minoxidil in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common progressive hair loss disorder affecting men and postmenopausal women. Clinically, it presents as vertex hair thinning with frontal hairline recession in men. Treatments stimulate hair follicle activity. This study compares PRP and minoxidil mesotherapy in AGA management. Methods: In a comparative clinical trial at Zagazig University; 26 adults with any grade of AGA were randomized into two groups: PRP injections (group A) or intradermal minoxidil mesotherapy (group B) each receiving monthly injection for three sessions. Assessments included scalp inspection, standardized photography, trichoscopy for hair density, vellus and terminal hairs, single and multiple hair units and other follicular parameters. Follow up was done monthly with global improvement and patient satisfaction was recorded. The primary endpoint was change in hair density over three months. Results: Groups were comparable at baseline. Alopecia grade improved significantly in group B among both males and females. Hair thickness improved more in group B (moderate improvement 53.8% vs. mild in group A; P=0.005). Terminal hair count, single and multiple hair units increased in both groups but were significantly greater in group B (P<0.05). Vellus hairs decreased significantly only in group B (P=0.022). Pain was more common in PRP, itching in minoxidil (P=0.015) and patient satisfaction was higher with minoxidil (P=0.005). Conclusion: Both PRP and minoxidil mesotherapy improved AGA with minoxidil achieving the most significant and consistent gains in alopecia grade, hair counts and follicular characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]