A comparative study of efficacy and safety of 5% topical minoxidil with platelet rich plasma versus platelet rich plasma as a monotherapy in male patients with androgenetic alopecia

Introduction: Male baldness is genetically determined, most common gradually progressive hair disorder leading to miniaturization of hair follicles. Various modalities have been used in various studies without significant results. Objective: The aim was to study and compare the two modalities of treatment and to evaluate their results. Materials and Methods: This is prospective, comparative study. Sample size was 40, twenty in each group. Group 1 was given 5% topical minoxidil solution two times in a day till six months and platelet rich plasma (PRP), Group 2 was given only PRP at three weekly interval for six months. Parameters evaluated before starting, after three months and after six months for - Hair pull test, anagen/telogen ratio, Patient's, Physician's assessment and clinical photographs. Results: On evaluating group 1 showed relatively more significant improvement. On hair pull test significant reduction of hair breakage in group 1. Anagen/telogen ratio showed 8.9 ± 0.3% improvement in anagen hair in group 1 while 5.9 ± 0.5% was in group 2. Improvement was seen in patients of group 1 more than patients of group 2 based on patient's assessment and photographs. Conclusion: 5% minoxidil when given with platelet rich plasma was superior and better when compared to platelet rich plasma alone.