Limited Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment on Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata

The 2014 document reviewed the condition of Alopecia Areata (AA) and its treatments, noting that AA is a common, genetically linked, autoimmune hair loss disorder. It discussed the clinical diagnosis of AA and the range of treatments available, including intralesional corticosteroids, systemic steroids, anthralin, minoxidil, and topical immunotherapy. The paper highlighted the psychological impact of AA and the importance of addressing patients' psychological health. It also mentioned the potential for spontaneous remission but recommended active treatment to prevent new patches. The document reported on the effectiveness of high-dose oral corticosteroids for hair regrowth, despite side effects, and detailed the use of intralesional corticosteroids. Other treatments such as PUVA, sulfasalazine, cyclosporine, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologic drugs were discussed, with a clinical trial showing no significant response to the biologic drug alafacept in 45 patients with chronic severe AA. The document concluded that while many treatments exist, response rates are generally low, with corticosteroids being the most reliable, and that the prognosis for AA varies, with long-standing extensive AA having a poorer outlook.