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1.
Platelet Rich Plasma Combination Therapies for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review
Kaiser, M. A., Ferrari, L. M., Gaumond, S. I., Issa, N., Jimenez, J. J., Issa, N. T.
Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2023;16(3):169-177
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in males and females. Minoxidil and finasteride are the only FDA-approved treatments for AGA. New treatments including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and microneedling have shown promising results. The purpose of this literature review was to highlight recent studies examining the effects of topical minoxidil combined with PRP to minoxidil or PRP monotherapy. The method used for this paper includes a systematic review of the literature from 2010 to 2022 using the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases examining studies evaluating combination therapies for AGA. Three randomized control trials compared combination PRP + topical 5% minoxidil to either no treatment, 5% minoxidil, or PRP only. Two studies found increased hair growth at five months and at six months following combined therapy. Another study found an increase in hair density and improved patient satisfaction with combination therapy compared to monotherapy. A prospective study revealed that patients treated with combined 5% minoxidil, PRP, and microneedling reported the highest patient and physician satisfaction compared to minoxidil monotherapy. An observational study evaluating topical 5% minoxidil with PRP reported an increase in hair diameter after one year of combination treatment compared to minoxidil monotherapy. PRP therapy combined with minoxidil and microneedling in a retrospective study was shown to increase hair growth compared to PRP with minoxidil as well as PRP or minoxidil monotherapy. In conclusion, a variety of studies demonstrated superior treatment response with a combination of PRP and minoxidil therapy in patients with AGA. Limitations to this study include different PRP preparation protocols, few randomized control studies, and small sample sizes.
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2.
Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy combined with intralesional injection of either latanoprost or platelet-rich plasma for stable nonsegmental vitiligo
Fawzy, M., Al-Mokadem, S., Alshereef, M., Elkholy, B.
Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is the cornerstone of vitiligo treatment. Its combination with other treatments usually yields a better response. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2α analog, and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been reported to be effective for vitiligo. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of NB-UVB combined with intralesional latanoprost or PRP for stable nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). METHODS Sixty patients with stable NSV were recruited and randomly allocated to two equal groups. NB-UVB phototherapy was administered twice a week for all patients. Additionally, group A received intralesional latanoprost injections once weekly, while group B received intralesional autologous PRP injections every 2 weeks. RESULTS At 24 weeks, excellent repigmentation response was observed in 26.7% and 13.3% of patients in the latanoprost/NB-UVB and PRP/NB-UVB groups, respectively, with no significant difference in degrees of repigmentation between the two groups. However, the Vitiligo Extent Score for a Target Area (VESTA) score was significantly higher in the latanoprost/NB-UVB group (p = .032). Moreover, lesions located on nonacral skin responded significantly better than those on acral skin. Only erythema was significantly higher in the PRP/NB-UVB group, while the recurrence of depigmentation was significantly higher in the latanoprost/NB-UVB group. CONCLUSIONS Both latanoprost and PRP have the potential to be effective add-on therapies to NB-UVB phototherapy for stable NSV, with latanoprost resulting in a greater repigmentation response and PRP producing a more stable response.
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3.
A systematic review of the efficacy, safety and satisfaction of regenerative medicine treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, stromal vascular fraction and stem cell-conditioned medium for hypertrophic scars and keloids
Jafarzadeh, A., PourMohammad, A., Goodarzi, A.
International wound journal. 2023
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to examine the efficiency of various regenerative medicine approaches, such as platelet-rich plasma, cell therapy, stromal vascular fraction, exosomes and stem cell-conditioned medium, in the process of healing hypertrophic and keloid scars. Major databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched, and based on the content of the articles and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected. Out of these eight articles, there were two non-randomized clinical trial studies (25%), one randomized, single-blinded comparative study (12.5%), one retrospective clinical observational study (12.5%) and four randomized clinical trial studies (50%). We employed EndNote X8 and Google Sheets to conduct article reviews and extract relevant data. Following the review phase, the studies underwent analysis and categorization. In all eight reviewed studies, the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in treating hypertrophic scars and keloids has been proven. Out of these studies, five (62.5%) focused on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma, two study (25%) examined the effectiveness of stromal vascular fraction and one study (12.5%) explored the efficacy of stem cell-conditioned medium. In two studies (25%), the treatment methods were added to standard treatment, while in six studies (75%), regenerative medicine was used as the sole treatment method and compared with standard treatment. The use of these treatment methods did not result in any serious side effects for the patients. Regenerative medicine is an effective method with minimal side effects for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatment methods. However, further studies are needed to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of all sub-branches of this method.
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4.
Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Autologous Fat Transfer With Nanofat in the Treatment of Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Single-Blinded Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial
Kadry A, Gamal A, Alkhalifah A, Ibrahim SMA
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treating infraorbital dark circles is one of the commonest aesthetic demands worldwide. Autologous fat transfer is commonly used to treat dark circles by filling the grooves, without effect on skin quality. Platelet-rich plasma has been reported to improve skin quality. Autologous fat can be emulsified and filtered to produce nanofat, which is then injected superficially in the dark circles to improve skin quality and discoloration. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma versus combined fat transfer and nanofat in treating infraorbital dark circles. MATERIALS AND METHODS 30 patients with infraorbital dark circles of combined etiological factors were randomized into 2 equal groups: Group A treated with platelet-rich plasma and Group B treated with autologous fat transfer with emulsified fat injection. RESULTS Excellent and moderate responses were observed in 3 (20%) and 2 (13%) patients in group A versus 7 (46.7%) and 4 (27%) in group B, respectively. Nonresponders were 8 (53.3%) in group A and only 1 patient (6.7%) in group B. The difference was statistically significant regarding improvement (p = .048) and patient satisfaction (p = .032). CONCLUSION Autologous fat transfer with nanofat is significantly superior to platelet-rich plasma in improvement and satisfaction.
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5.
Platelet rich plasma use for treatment of acne scars: an overview of systematic reviews
Cruciani, M., Masiello, F., Pati, I., Pupella, S., De Angelis, V.
Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reappraisal of the conclusions of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses validity related to Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to regimens PRP-free for the treatment of acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS An overview of SRs. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using AMSTAR-2 checklist; quality of the evidence of primary studies was appraised following the GRADE approach. RESULTS Fifteen SRs were included in this overview. Data were from 124 overlapping reports, based on 34 individual primary studies (10 parallel arm randomized trials, 21 split-face studies, and 3 uncontrolled studies). Most of the studies evaluated combination of PRP with microneedling or with laser therapy compared to microneedling or laser therapy without PRP. Clinical improvement (reported as degree of improvement or improvement score) and patient's satisfaction rate were significantly higher in PRP recipients compared to controls. Crusting time and duration of erythema were significantly shorter in PRP recipients compared to controls. Most of the reviews considered in this overview can be considered of low methodological quality due to the fact that several critical methodological requirements of AMSTAR-2 checklist were unmet or partially met; only 6 of the 15 reviews incorporated study quality in their conclusions, and no GRADE assessment was performed for the reported outcomes in any of the SRs. With the GRADE approach, the quality of the evidence for the outcomes analysed ranged from very low to low due to risk of bias in the primary studies, inconsistency between the studies, and imprecision. DISCUSSION The low or very low certainty of evidence does not support clear clinical decision about the PRP use in combination with microneedling or laser therapy for the treatment of acne scars. Further well-designed studies are required to improve the evidence base for PRP combination therapy for acne scars.
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6.
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma and other Key Factors on Hair Follicle Preservation
Thuangtong, R., Chaweekulrat, P., Thanomkitti, K., Triwongwaranat, D., Rujitharanawong, C.
International journal of trichology. 2023;15(2):50-55
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair graft preservation is an important factor that influences graft survival in hair transplantation. OBJECTIVE To investigate the benefits of adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and the effect of different storage solutions and temperatures on hair follicle preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized-controlled study included 10 androgenetic alopecia patients who underwent hair transplantation. Forty-five hair grafts were collected from each patient and then randomized to 8 different culture conditions for 7 days. Hair grafts were cultured in Williams' Medium E or Ringer's lactate solution (RLS) at either 4°C or 37°C, and with or without 10% PRP supplementation. RESULTS In vitro hair growth in Williams' Medium E was significantly greater than in RLS. The 37°C temperature condition was found to be significantly better than the 4°C condition. The growth of hair grafts cultured with PRP was not significance difference from those without PRP. However, immunofluorescence staining for cytokeratin 15 showed greater expression in hair graft cultured with PRP. CONCLUSION PRP may have a beneficial effect for preserving the viability of hair grafts. Williams' Medium E and 37°C temperature were found to be superior to RLS and 4°C relative to hair follicle growth in organ culture.
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7.
Comparative Study of Combination of Oral Tranexamic Acid With Modified Kligman's Formula Versus Oral Tranexamic Acid With Azelaic Acid 15% in the Treatment of Melasma
Singh, R., Maheshwari, P., Madke, B., Singh, A., Jawade, S.
Cureus. 2023;15(6):e40908
Abstract
Background Melasma is a persistent skin condition affecting individuals of Asian, African, and Hispanic backgrounds. It causes dark patches on sun-exposed areas of the face. The exact causes are unclear, but UV light and hormonal factors play a role. Melasma significantly impacts physical appearance and quality of life, causing emotional and social distress. Objective The objective was to compare the efficacy of a combination of oral tranexamic acid and modified Kligman's formula vs. oral tranexamic acid and 15% azelaic acid. Material and methods This two-year interventional study occurred at the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy in Sawangi, Maharashtra. It included male and female patients aged 18-50 with melasma seeking treatment. Ethical approval was obtained, and data collection involved medical histories, skin examinations, and calculating the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Results The study found no significant association between age groups and subject distribution in Groups A and B. Significant differences were observed in MASI scores within each group over time. There was a significant difference in mean MASI scores between Group A and Group B at the eight-week mark. A burning sensation was significantly associated with the groups, while no significant association was found for erythema. Conclusion This study concludes that combining oral tranexamic acid with a modified Kligman's formula is more effective in treating melasma than combining oral tranexamic acid with azelaic acid 15%.
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8.
A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and 5% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Shah, R., Asim, M., Ouellette, S., Sharif, S., Shah, A., Rao, B.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. 2023;22(9):905-909
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men and has limited treatment options. Minoxidil is a common therapeutic option for AGA patients because of its availability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newer option in AGA management with promising results that may be suitable for some patients. Despite a great prevalence of AGA outside the United States and Europe, there remains limited studies on the efficacy of PRP for AGA treatment. Our study's objective was to compare the efficacy of PRP and minoxidil therapy for the treatment of AGA in a Pakistani population. 72 patients were included in this randomized control trial and were either treated with PRP or topical minoxidil. After 12 weeks of treatment, the hair pull test was performed and extracted hair was counted. We report a 91.7% negative hair pull rate in the PRP treatment group which was significantly greater than the 69.4% negative hair pull rate in the minoxidil-treated group. Our study suggests that PRP therapy demonstrates a higher efficacy compared to minoxidil for treating AGA, especially in our patient demographic. These results have the opportunity to improve patient compliance and overall satisfaction while offering an improved option in patients unsatisfied with topical minoxidil. Citation: Shah R, Asim M, Ouellette S, et al. A randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and 5% topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(9):905-909. doi:10.36849/JDD.7031.
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9.
Use of Activated Platelet Rich Plasma (A-PRP) on Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Morkuzu S, McLennan AL, Kanapathy M, Mosahebi A
Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia reduces perceptions of age, beauty, success, and adaptability. Hair loss can be caused by genetic, physiological, environmental, and immunologic factors. The current treatment for alopecia is varied. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates activated platelet rich plasma (A-PRP) for alopecia treatment. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous activated PRP (A-PRP) injections in alopecia patients. We compare the safety, limitations, and outcomes of A-PRP use with those of prior research on alopecia. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar for relevant articles. We included all primary clinical studies involving patients that evaluated A-PRP. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles met the eligibility criteria, which included 864 patients, and were analyzed for qualitative review. Our review found that 27 studies indicated that A-PRP is significantly effective in treating alopecia, especially for improving hair density before and after therapy (n = 184, MD = 46.5, I2 = 88%, 95% CL 29.63-63.37, P 0.00001) as well as when comparison is made between treatment and control group (n = 88, MD = 31.61, I2 = 80%, 95% CI: 6.99-56.22, P = 0.01); terminal hair density between treatment and control group (n = 55, MD = 26.03, I2 = 25%, 95% CI 8.08-43.98, P = 0.004); hair counts after therapy (n = 85, MD = 12.79, I2 = 83%, 95% CI -5.53, 31.12, P = 0.0006); promoting hair regrowth; folliculogenesis; reducing hair loss; combining with FUs surgery; and initiating the hair cycle. Two studies did not report significant results. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of A-PRP as a treatment option for alopecia. A-PRP appears to be a promising and safe method for treating alopecia.
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10.
A Split-Face Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Autologous Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin With Microneedling Against Microneedling With Normal Saline (Placebo Control) in Atrophic Acne Scars
Krishnegowda, R., Pradhan, S. N., Belgaumkar, V. A.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acne scars cause significant psychosocial stress. Despite a wide armamentarium, there is a constant search for an effective modality. Autologous injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) is a promising novel option in the management of atrophic scars. OBJECTIVE To compare efficacy of autologous i-PRF with microneedling against microneedling alone in atrophic acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS A split-face prospective interventional study was conducted on 40 patients with atrophic acne scars. Autologous i-PRF and normal saline were injected into each scar on right (study) and left (control) sides, respectively, followed by microneedling on both sides. Four sessions were performed at monthly intervals with follow-up at 2 months. For assessment, Goodman and Baron (GB) scale, physician subjective score, and patient satisfaction scores were used. RESULTS Mean baseline GB grade on each side was 3.45. At 24 weeks, mean GB grade was significantly reduced on the study side (1.47, SD 0.56) than control side (3.33, SD 0.53). Mean patient satisfaction score was significantly higher on the right side (5.95) compared with the left side (5.35). Rolling scars responded the best followed by boxcar and ice-pick scars. CONCLUSION Autologous i-PRF and microneedling act synergistically to improve acne scars.