Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) for Androgenic Alopecia : A Case Report

DOI:

Rashid Md. A1 , Rahman S A2 , Rahman Md. M3 , Ahmed S4 , Parveen S5

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a newer method for the treatment of various types of alopecia. It is an exciting non-surgical therapeutic option for patients who require stimulation of hair growth for hair loss conditions. Those patients who suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) were considered for PRP therapy'. PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia were trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures. Hair loss has a significant influence on psychological distress and is associated with low self-esteem and depression2. Treatment options for androgenic alopecia are very limited and include topical minoxidil and oral fmastende (FDA approved) either alone or in combination. However, there are several reported side effects such as headache and increase in other body hairs for minoxidil whereas loss of libido has been reported with oral finasteride. Finasteride also interferes with genital development in a male fetus and is contraindicated in pregnant women and those likely to become pregnant But in this prospective, PRP is safe, reliable, effective and non surgical treatment for hair growth Published medical literature from Europe and the United States confirms the safety and use of PRP therapy. It has been used a medial adjunct therapy for over two decades for skin and would healing. PRP therapy has established itself to be effective as a medical treatment modality in the specialty fields of plastic and cosmetic surgery, sports medicine and orthopedics4.

PRP contains many growth factors that stimulate the hair follicle's growth. And human blood contains essential and specific growth factors that assist in tissue regeneration and healing. Growth factors are known to activate the proliferative phase and transdifferentiation of hair and stem cells and produce new follicular units. bFGF is reported to promote the in litre proliferation of papilla cells, and thereby plays a key role in elongating hair shaft). Androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness is a very common type of hair loss observed in both males and females. PRP has attracted attention in several medical fields because of its ability to promote wound healing. Activation ofalpha granules of platelets releases numerous proteins, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TM, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth &dor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin (IL)`. It is h)pothesised that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the bulge area of the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting new vascularisation'. PRP was prepared by double spin method, in witich blood cell layers were manually separated. Activation of platelets through coagulation triggers the secretion of various growth factors, which produce mitogenic effects in various cell types. Activated PRP promotes the proliferation of dermal papillary cells and prevents their apoptosis.

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Volume 29, Number 2 July 2018
Page: 39-41