A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Response to Intralesional Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic nonscarring alopecia that involves hair follicles and is characterized by patchy areas of hair loss without any signs of clinical inflammation. Platelet-ri-ch plasma (PRP) has a high platelet concentration. Anti-inflammatory effect of PRP may be of great help in AA. Aims and Objectives: Study was conducted to compare the outcome of treatment and side effects of intralesional PRP versus triamcinolone in AA. Materials and Methods: 40 patients with alopecia areata were allocated into 2 groups and treated with triamcinolone and PRP injections. The response was analyzed by SALT score (severity of alopecia tool score) and hair regrowth grade (HRG) scale. Inferential statistical tools such as t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used. Results: 16 patients in each group completed the study. While comparing the decrease in SALT score at different intervals of time, there was a significant difference in SALT score reduction during the second review between PRP group and triamcinolone group (P = 0.028). After the first and final review, results did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups. While comparing the hair regrowth scale between treatments, there was no statistical significance. 12.5% patients in PRP group reported excellent response after final review (HRG scale 4), compared to none in triamcinolone group. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma is a safe, effective, steroid sparing, and suitable alternative in AA. Only side effect noted was pain during injections in both the groups.