Cross-Section Trichometry: A Clinical Tool for Assessing the Progression and Treatment Response of Alopecia
February 2013
TLDR Cross-section trichometry is an accurate method to measure hair loss and growth.
The document presents findings from various studies on alopecia and hair growth. One study, involving 231 alopecia areata (AA) patients and 270 healthy controls, found significant associations between certain epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to AA in the Korean population. It also linked specific EGF and EGFR polymorphisms to nail involvement and body hair loss in AA patients. Another study assessed the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) mesotherapy in 31 patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to 31 controls. After 12 months, the PRP-treated group showed statistically higher hair density and a borderline increase in hair number. Lastly, the document describes cross-section trichometry (CST) as a new clinical tool for assessing hair mass changes in alopecia progression and treatment response. Using the HairCheck device, CST was shown to accurately measure the cross-sectional area of hair bundles, providing a Hair Mass Index (HMI) that reflects changes in hair density and diameter.