Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Non-Scarring Hair Loss: Systematic Review of Literature

The systematic review by Ayatollahi et al. from 2017 assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating non-scarring hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. The review included 18 studies with varying methodologies and sample sizes, ranging from 1 to 100 subjects. The evidence, which was considered of low quality, showed controversial results for PRP's efficacy in hair loss treatment. While some studies reported positive outcomes such as increased hair diameter, density, and patient satisfaction, significant methodological flaws were present, including small sample sizes and inconsistent treatment protocols. The review emphasized the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols to conclusively determine PRP's safety and efficacy for hair loss. The largest study included in the review had 100 subjects, and there were only 2 RCTs, indicating a need for more robust research in this area.