Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma plus basic fibroblast growth factor combined with minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPlatelet-rich plasma plus basic fibroblast growth factor (PRPF) has been confirmed to be a safe and valuable therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, the efficacy of PRPF combined with minoxidil treatment remains unknown. ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of combined PRPF and minoxidil treatment for AGA. MethodsIn this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 75 patients with AGA were randomly divided into three groups and were administered the following treatments: Group 1, direct intradermal PRPF injection; Group 2, topical minoxidil 5% twice daily; and Group 3, PRPF injection combined with minoxidil. The PRPF injection was performed three times, 1 month apart. Hair growth parameters were evaluated using a trichoscope until the sixth month of the study. Patient satisfaction and side effects were recorded during the follow-up. ResultsAll patients showed improvements (p < 0.05) in hair count, terminal hair, and decrease in telogen hair ratio after treatment. The efficacy of PRPF complex therapy revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in hair count, terminal hair and growth rate, compared with monotherapy. LimitationsSmall sample size, short follow-up time and lack of quantification of GFs in PRPF. ConclusionThe effect of complex therapy exceed both the effects of PRPF monotherapy and minoxidil treatment, which can be a beneficial AGA treatment strategy.