Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of platelet-rich plasma is becoming more prevalent in the field of dermatology. Variable preparation techniques and treatment methods have been described with reported success in alopecia. OBJECTIVE: To consolidate the available evidence of platelet-rich plasma and its utility in the treatment of alopecia for the practicing dermatologist. METHODS: Evaluating the available evidence up to May 31, 2018, a search was conducted in the PubMed database for "platelet rich plasma" or "platelet releasate" or "platelet gel" or "PRP" and "dermatology" or "skin" or "hair" or "cutaneous." RESULTS: Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis including 3 alopecia areata studies with a total of 71 patients and 16 androgenetic alopecia studies with a total of 389 patients. Although the heterogeneity of the studies prevented direct comparisons and subsequent statistical analysis, the majority demonstrated that platelet-rich plasma produced successful hair growth in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. CONCLUSION: This review advocates for the use of platelet-rich plasma in 3 to 4 monthly sessions for the treatment of alopecia. Future studies should include a detailed description of the platelet-rich plasma isolation process to allow for comparison among studies, provide reproducibility, and generate a standardized treatment protocol.