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

Dermatol Surg. 2018 Sep;44(9):1183-1190. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001584.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Alopecia / therapy*
  • Controlled Before-After Studies
  • Female
  • Fibrin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Leukocytes*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Fibrin