Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation and composition for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained popularity in dermatology practice as a treatment for hair loss. As an autologous blood product, PRP is categorized as a minimally manipulated tissue by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and thus evades extensive regulation. As a result, there is a lack of standardization of its preparation and final composition. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide a systematic review of the various PRP preparation protocols and PRP compositions utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of hair loss. METHODS & MATERIALS: A review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Ovid/Medline in November 2017 using the search terms "Platelet-Rich Plasma" and ("Alopecia" or "Hair Loss"), including all publication dates. Human clinical trials in the English language were included. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (in 15 articles) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Only 21% of these studies reported all PRP preparation factors analyzed, and only 32% of the protocols reported the platelet count for both the initial whole blood and final PRP product. CONCLUSION: The current reporting of PRP preparation methodology and final composition is inconsistent and insufficient to enable comparison between studies and determination of efficacy for particular treatment applications.