Adverse Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Microneedling

The document reports on the side effects associated with the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy combined with microneedling, a treatment increasingly used for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. The study observed minor side effects such as scalp itching, telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding), and lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) in a sample of procedures. Out of 210 procedures performed, there were 30 cases of scalp itching (14.28%), 3 cases of transient hair shedding (1.42%), and 4 cases of lymphadenopathy (1.9%). The paper suggests that these side effects may be due to the body's inflammatory response to the treatment, including the release of various mediators and the activation of certain cellular pathways. It also notes that while PRP with microneedling is generally safe, clinicians should be aware of these potential mild side effects. Additionally, the document mentions a case of permanent blindness following PRP treatment at a spa, emphasizing that such procedures should only be performed by licensed medical professionals.