Post: #1

Has anyone tried platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss? It seems to be the new "big thing". Would love to hear from anyone who has first hand experience.

Post: #2

Here ya go

Also this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4134641/

Post: #3

(12-14-2015 11:42 PM)h3ltrsk3ltr Wrote:  Here ya go

Also this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4134641/

Thank you for your link to Google. How very clever of you. I actually place a great deal of weight on the opinion and experiences of other forum members, which is why I have posted the question here.

Post: #4

(12-14-2015 11:49 PM)Atticus Wrote:  

(12-14-2015 11:42 PM)h3ltrsk3ltr Wrote:  Here ya go

Also this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4134641/

Thank you for your link to Google. How very clever of you. I actually place a great deal of weight on the opinion and experiences of other forum members, which is why I have posted the question here.

Relax guy, it's courteous to post some informative links in your initial post so as to inform those of us who haven't heard of it before.

I'd like to know the first hand knowledge myself if there is any. No need to be offended there fella.

(I'll take my apology off the air)

Post: #5

^^^^^^^^
No offence taken, and none meant.

Post: #6

The problem with doing a search on something like this is you are much more likely to find advertisements than actual information. That's why I would rather ask about something like this on a forum than just doing a search. I did a search and found this thread.

The government study is certainly helpful. Any links to other academic studies would be great, too.

As I expected, the Google search returned mostly advertisements for people who are selling the treatment. I also got a HuffPo article that didn't say anything about it all, on the first page of hits.

Post: #7

(12-14-2015 11:17 PM)Atticus Wrote:  Has anyone tried platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss? It seems to be the new "big thing". Would love to hear from anyone who has first hand experience.

I believe some of the major hair transplant clinics offered PRP during the hair transplant procedure as it was known to help with blood flow.

You might want to check with Shapiro Group in Minnesota as they have a fairly good reputation, as far as I know.

Post: #8

Dermatol Surg. 2016 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print]

A Mechanistic Model of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia.
Gupta AK1, Carviel J.
Author information
Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a novel procedure used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

OBJECTIVE:
Propose a mechanism of action of PRP therapy for AGA.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:
A thorough literature search including PRP research for AGA therapy as well as PRP research in other areas of medicine was conducted.

RESULTS:
A mechanistic model for the action of PRP on the hair follicle was created.

CONCLUSION:
Platelet-rich plasma therapy stimulates hair growth through the promotion of vascularization and angiogenesis, as well as encourages hair follicles to enter and extend the duration of the anagen phase of the growth cycle. The process is accomplished through growth factor-mediated increased activation of wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin, extracellular signaling regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways, which leads to the necessary cellular proliferation and differentiation.

PMID: 27631460 DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000901

Post: #9

Meta-analysis of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia.
Gupta AK1,2, Carviel JL2.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is used as an off-label treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA); however, published efficacy evidence is still preliminary.
OBJECTIVE:
Conduct a meta-analysis of current trial data to estimate efficacy.
METHODS:
Thirteen studies which investigated the use of PRP for treatment of AGA were identified from the literature. A meta-analysis was used to analyze results from four trials (N = 60) where sufficient quantifiable data extraction was possible. All 13 studies were analyzed qualitatively.
RESULTS:
When comparing PRP treatment to baseline, the overall standardized mean difference was 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.88; I2 = 0%] in favour of PRP treatment.
CONCLUSION:
Preliminary results suggest that the investigation of PRP for the treatment of AGA is promising. Controlled trials with quantifiable measures of treatment success are now required to confirm these results.
KEYWORDS:
androgenetic alopecia; dermal papilla cells; growth factors; hair restoration; platelet-rich plasma
PMID: 27152474 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1179712
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Post: #10

Dermatol Surg. 2016 Apr;42(4):491-7. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000665.
Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.
Alves R1, Grimalt R.
Author information
Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was identified as having a beneficial effect in alopecia and has been postulated as a new therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the efficacy of PRP for the treatment of AGA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 25 patients with AGA. Platelet-rich plasma was injected in half-head and the other half-head with placebo. Each patient received a total of 3 treatments of PRP, 1 month apart.

RESULTS:
Six months after the first treatment with PRP, significant differences were seen in mean anagen hairs (67.6 ± 13.1), telogen hairs (32.4 ± 13.1), hair density (179.9 ± 62.7), and terminal hair density (165.8 ± 56.8) when compared with baseline (p < .05). Platelet-rich plasma was also found to increase hair density when comparing with the control side (p < .05). For the first time, the authors found a correlation between anagen hairs and patients >40 years and beginning of AGA ≥25 years old (p < .05) and hair density and male sex, age ≤40 years, positive family history of AGA and >10 years of duration of the disease (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:
Application of PRP showed a positive effect on AGA and could be regarded as an adjuvant therapy for AGA.
Comment in
Commentary on a Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. [Dermatol Surg. 2016]

PMID: 27035501 DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000665

Post: #11

Asian J Transfus Sci. 2015 Jul-Dec;9(2):159-62. doi: 10.4103/0973-6247.162713.
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in treatment of androgenic alopecia.
Singhal P1, Agarwal S2, Dhot PS1, Sayal SK2.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown remarkable beneficial effects without any major adverse reactions in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. The growth factors in activated autologous PRP induce the proliferation of dermal papilla cells.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective was to investigate the clinical efficacy of PRP in treatment of androgenic alopecia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Ten patients were given autologous PRP injections on the affected area of alopecia over a period of 3 months at interval of 2-3 weeks and results were assessed.
RESULTS:
Three months after the treatment, the patients presented clinical improvement in the hair counts, hair thickness, hair root strength, and overall alopecia.
CONCLUSION:
PRP appears to be a cheap, effective, and promising therapy for androgenic alopecia with no major adverse effects.
KEYWORDS:
Androgenic; alopecia; platelet rich plasma
PMID: 26420936 PMCID: PMC4562137 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6247.162713

Post: #12

Stem Cells Transl Med. 2015 Nov;4(11):1317-23. doi: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0107. Epub 2015 Sep 23.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Gentile P1, Garcovich S2, Bielli A3, Scioli MG3, Orlandi A3, Cervelli V4.
Author information

Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in regenerative plastic surgery, and preliminary evidence suggests that it might have a beneficial role in hair regrowth. Here, we report the results of a randomized, evaluator-blinded, placebo-controlled, half-head group study to compare, with the aid of computerized trichograms, hair regrowth with PRP versus placebo. The safety and clinical efficacy of autologous PRP injections for pattern hair loss were investigated. PRP, prepared from a small volume of blood, was injected on half of the selected patients' scalps with pattern hair loss. The other half was treated with placebo. Three treatments were administered to each patient at 30-day intervals. The endpoints were hair regrowth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki67 evaluation. Patients were followed for 2 years. Of the 23 patients enrolled, 3 were excluded. At the end of the 3 treatment cycles, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of 33.6 hairs in the target area, and a mean increase in total hair density of 45.9 hairs per cm² compared with baseline values. No side effects were noted during treatment. Microscopic evaluation showed the increase of epidermis thickness and of the number of hair follicles 2 weeks after the last PRP treatment compared with baseline value (p < .05). We also observed an increase of Ki67(+) keratinocytes in the epidermis and of hair follicular bulge cells, and a slight increase of small blood vessels around hair follicles in the treated skin compared with baseline (p < .05). Relapse of androgenic alopecia was not evaluated in all patients until 12 months after the last treatment. After 12 months, 4 patients reported progressive hair loss; this was more evident 16 months after the last treatment. Those four patients were re-treated. Our data clearly highlight the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss and absence of major side effects. PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option against hair loss; more extensive controlled studies are needed.

SIGNIFICANCE:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in regenerative plastic surgery, and preliminary evidence suggests that it might have a beneficial role in hair regrowth. Here, the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, half-head group study to compare the hair regrowth with PRP versus placebo are reported. Hair regrowth was quantified by a blinded evaluator using computerized trichograms. The safety and clinical efficacy of autologous PRP injections for pattern hair loss were investigated. Of the 23 patients enrolled, 3 were excluded. At the end of the 3 treatment cycles, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of 33.6 hairs in the target area and a mean increase in total hair density of 45.9 hairs per cm² compared with baseline values. No side effects were noted during treatment. The data clearly highlight the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss and absence of major side effects. PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option against hair loss; more extensive controlled studies are needed.
©AlphaMed Press.

KEYWORDS:
Aging; Autologous; Clinical translations; Clinical trials
PMID: 26400925 PMCID: PMC4622412 [Available on 2016-11-01] DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0107

Post: #13

J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014 Oct-Dec;7(4):213-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.150743.

Study of platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia through an one-year period.
Gkini MA1, Kouskoukis AE1, Tripsianis G2, Rigopoulos D3, Kouskoukis K1.
Author information
Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as an autologous concentration of plasma with a greater count of platelets than that of whole blood. Its action depends on the released growth factors from platelets. It has been investigated and used in numerous fields of medicine. Recently, PRP has received growing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for hair loss.
AIMS:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in the scalp of patients with androgenetic alopecia.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:
Prospective cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
20 patients, 18 males and 2 females, with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled in the study. PRP was prepared using a single spin method (Regenlab SA). Upon activation, it was injected in the androgen-related areas of scalp. Three treatment sessions were performed with an interval of 21 days and a booster session at 6 months following the onset of therapy.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 19.0 (IBM, NY, USA).

RESULTS:
Hair loss reduced and at 3 months it reached normal levels. Hair density reached a peak at 3 months (170.70 ± 37.81, P < 0.001). At 6 months and at 1 year, it was significantly increased, 156.25 ± 37.75 (P < 0.001) and 153.70 ± 39.92 (P < 0.001) respectively, comparing to baseline. Patients were satisfied with a mean result rating of 7.1 on a scale of 1-10. No remarkable adverse effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our data suggest that PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on male and female pattern hair loss without remarkable major side effects. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
KEYWORDS:
Androgenetic alopecia; hair loss; platelet-rich plasma
PMID: 25722600 PMCID: PMC4338465 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2077.150743

Post: #14

J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014 Apr;7(2):107-10. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.138352.
Platelet-rich plasma in androgenic alopecia: myth or an effective tool.
Khatu SS1, More YE1, Gokhale NR1, Chavhan DC1, Bendsure N1.
Author information

Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a newer method for the treatment of various types of alopecia. In this prospective study, safety, efficacy and feasibility of PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia were assessed. Eleven patients suffering from hair loss due to androgenic alopecia and not responding to 6 months treatment with minoxidil and finasteride were included in this study. The hair pull test was performed before every treatment session. A total volume of 2-3 cc PRP was injected in the scalp by using an insulin syringe. The treatment was repeated every two weeks, for a total of four times. The outcome was assessed after 3 months by clinical examination, macroscopic photos, hair pull test and patient's overall satisfaction.

RESULTS:
A significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units. Therefore, average mean gain is 22.09 follicular units per cm(2.) After the fourth session, the pull test was negative in 9 patients.

CONCLUSION:
PRP injection is a simple, cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.

KEYWORDS:
Androgenic alopecia; hair pull test; platelet rich plasma

Post: #15

Those are all the most relevant ones that I can find on PubMed, I haven't looked at other databases yet.

Post: #16

Man this is weird, I just had PRP injected into one of my tendons...