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Management of androgenetic alopecia: a comparative clinical study between plasma rich in growth factors and topical minoxidil

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Abstract

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair disorder. Finasteride and minoxidil have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of AGA. However, some side effects have been related to the intake of these drugs. Recently, plasma rich in growth factors has emerged as a safe alternative for the management of pattern hair loss. The purposes of the present study are to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) versus topical minoxidil treatment in AGA-affected patients.

Methods

Following a retrospective case control design, 379 patients treated with either PRGF or minoxidil were included in this study. Diagnostic trichograms at baseline and 4 months after treatment were performed with the aim of analyzing the anagen/telogen hair change improvement.

Results

PRGF-treated patients showed higher anagen hair increase improvement compared to minoxidil-treated ones (6.9 ± 0.4 and 4.6 ± 0.5 %, respectively) (p < 0.05). Telogen hair decrease improvement was also higher in PRGF group (5.7 ± 0.3 and 2.6 ± 0.5 %, respectively) (p < 0.05). Global photographs showed an overall volume and quality hair improvement for both treatments. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

This retrospective study shows that PRGF is a safe and effective treatment for AGA and evidences that PRGF exerts improved anagen/telogen results than topical minoxidil.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Dermatológico-Estético de Alicante, C/ Alonso Cano 51, 03014, Alicante, Spain

    M. R. Navarro, M. Asín, M. A. Martínez, A. M. Martínez, C. Molina & L. Moscoso

  2. Foundation Eduardo Anitua, Jacinto Quincoces, 39, 01007, Vitoria, Álava, Spain

    G. Orive & E. Anitua

  3. BTI Biotechnology Institute, Vitoria, Álava, Spain

    A. Pino, G. Orive & E. Anitua

Authors
  1. M. R. Navarro
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  2. M. Asín
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  3. M. A. Martínez
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  4. A. M. Martínez
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  5. C. Molina
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  6. L. Moscoso
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  7. A. Pino
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  8. G. Orive
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  9. E. Anitua
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Anitua.

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Conflict of interest

Eduardo Anitua and Ander Pino are scientists at BTI Biotechnology Institute. This biotechnology company has developed the technology of plasma rich in growth factors. Navarro MR, Asín M, Martínez AM, Molina C, Navarro V, and Orive G declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. This is a retrospective study, so for this type of study, formal consent is not required.

Funding

All authors state that this study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Patient consent

Patients provided written consent before their inclusion in the study. Additional consent was obtained for the use of their images.

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Navarro, M.R., Asín, M., Martínez, M.A. et al. Management of androgenetic alopecia: a comparative clinical study between plasma rich in growth factors and topical minoxidil. Eur J Plast Surg 39, 173–180 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1175-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1175-1

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