Modified Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Alopecia Totalis

February 2024 in “ Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery ”

Avita Dhiman, Manmohan Bagri

platelet-rich plasma PRP triamcinolone acetonide alopecia totalis alopecia areata intralesional therapy immunosuppressive medications Kenalog

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Triamcinolone Acetonide →

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This study reported that platelet-rich plasma therapy combined with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was beneficial for patients with alopecia totalis, helping them reduce reliance on oral immunosuppressants. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study presents a case of a female in her late twenties with alopecia totalis treated with a combination of modified platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TrA). Initial treatments with prednisolone, azathioprine, and minoxidil showed temporary improvement, but hair loss recurred upon tapering steroids. Modified PRP, prepared by a double spin method and combined with TrA, was administered intradermally. After four sessions at four-week intervals, significant hair regrowth and increased density were observed, allowing for the tapering of systemic steroids. The study concludes that modified PRP with TrA is a promising treatment for alopecia totalis, promoting early regrowth and reducing the need for prolonged immunosuppressant use. However, larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these benefits.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research Alopecia Totalis Successfully Treated with Modified Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in a Patient Recalcitrant to Traditional Treatment Modalities

2 citations , January 2021 in “Clinical dermatology review”

This case report describes a promising response to platelet-rich plasma therapy, modified with triamcinolone acetonide, in treating alopecia totalis.

research Progress in the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Medical Dermatology

3 citations , August 2020 in “PubMed”

This review discusses the potential efficacy and applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology, highlighting its use in various skin conditions but reporting no new clinical results; the authors call for standardization of preparation and treatment methods.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations , September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

research Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Alopecia Areata: Our Centre Experience

61 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma may have a role in treating chronic alopecia areata, but more long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and success rate.

research Intralesional Steroids for Alopecia Areata

36 citations , January 2010 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Intralesional steroids can help regrow hair in some alopecia areata patients but have side effects.

research Placebo-Controlled Oral Pulse Prednisolone Therapy in Alopecia Areata

141 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.

research Local Injection of Steroids and Hair Regrowth in Alopecias

57 citations , December 1960 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This introduction reviews historical use of steroids for alopecia treatment, mentioning early cases of hair regrowth with cortisone acetate but provides no new clinical data.