Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma vs intralesional steroid in treatment of alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is nonscarring patchy area of hair loss. Platelets rich plasma (PRP) promotes development of new hair follicles. Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool that helps in evaluation of skin microstructures which are not visible to naked eye.

AIM

To evaluate safety and efficacy of (PRP) vs intralesional corticosteroid (ILCs) in treatment of AA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 80 patients of both sexes who had AA. Patients were classified into Group I treated by ILCs and group II treated by (PRP). Results were assessed by dermoscopic evaluation and by hair re-growth score (RGS) at (baseline), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. Patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

There was greater hair re-growth after treatment in both groups. In group I, (26) patients (65%) showed improvement >70% compared to 29 patients (72.5%) in group II. There was significant re-growth of pigmented hair and decrease in dystrophic hair (P < 0.001) by dermoscopic evaluation in both groups. The difference between both groups was insignificant (P = 0.57). At follow-up, two (5%) patients in group II had relapse compared to 10 (25%) patients in group I.

CONCLUSION

Platelets rich plasma is safe and promising therapeutic option in AA.