Safety and Efficacy of Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Cicatricial Alopecia

In 2020, researchers from the University of Minnesota conducted a study on the safety and efficacy of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating cicatricial alopecia, a type of scarring hair loss. The study involved three patients, two with lichen planopilaris and one with frontal fibrosing alopecia, who underwent monthly treatments for three months. The PRP used was enriched for platelets by 3-fold and also contained white blood cells. Following the treatment, none of the patients reported increased symptoms, and one patient showed decreased peri-follicular erythema. Overall, patients either remained stable or improved, with some new vellus or indeterminate hair fiber growth. The study concluded that leukocyte-rich PRP appeared to be safe and somewhat beneficial, but further studies with more patients and longer duration are needed to conclusively assess its safety and efficacy in treating inflammatory alopecias.