Injectable Platelet-, Leukocyte-, and Fibrin-Rich Plasma (iL-PRF) in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

BACKGROUND The role of enriched autologous plasmas in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) management is emerging in recent literature. OBJECTIVE In this prospective study, the authors aimed to confirm that the induction of a minor local trauma immediately followed by injections of an enriched plasma made of a strongly concentrated platelet fraction, a robust white cell presence, concentrated fibrinogen, and other plasma proteins (injectable leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin [iL-PRF]) could be able to produce positive clinical results in patients with AGA. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 2-injection regimen was instituted, with a 3-month interval between the 2 interventions. A treatment group (TG) and a control group (CG) were instituted. Macrophotographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and rated by 5-people expert panel (blinded to this assignment) using the 15-point scale proposed by Jaeschke to evaluate the clinical change. RESULTS Overall, TG showed better scores compared with the CG in all 5 classes of global physician assessment at baseline, all age groups, and in both sexes, and such differences always reached statistical significance. A greater severity at baseline showed a larger improvement after treatment in the TG. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence that the biological composition of the iL-PRF is of crucial importance in ensuring a good degree of clinical efficacy in patients with AGA. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Andrea Paradisi, MD, Dermatology Unit, "Cristo Re" General Hospital, Via delle Calasanziane 25, 00168 Rome, Italy, or e-mail: aparad78@gmail.com This work has been supported in part by the "Progetto Ricerca Corrente—2016" of the Italian Ministry of Health. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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