TITLE:
Concentrated Growth Factor from Autologous Platelet Promotes Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia
AUTHORS:
Poh-Ching Tan, Yun Xie, Wei Wu, Peiqi Zhang, Yiming Gao, Kai Liu, Shuangbai Zhou, Qingfeng Li
KEYWORDS:
Androgenetic Alopecia, Concentrated Growth Factor
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.12 No.3,
March
14,
2019
ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that platelet concentrates can induce the proliferation of the dermal papilla and the vascularization of the perifollicular tissue, as well as accelerate the telogen-to-anagen transition, thereby promoting the regrowth of hair improving the appearance of hair loss. Herein, we report on the application of a new, modified form of platelet concentrates, namely, concentrated growth factors (CGFs), in 15 cases of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 15 cases of androgenetic alopecia were treated with the use of monthly, subcutaneous injections of autologous CGF in the scalp. A total of 3 injections were administered 4 weeks apart, and the patients were followed up for 6 months. Assessments were performed before the treatments and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after the first treatment. The treatment outcomes were assessed by taking macroscopic photographs and trichoscopic photomicrographs, as well as by using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the patient satisfaction survey. In order to determine the safety of the treatment, the injection area was observed for signs of infection or mass evaluation. The photographs showed significant improvement in hair appearance after injections of CGF. The hair photomicrographs showed that CGF promoted the regrowth of hair in balding areas, with an increased hair density and an increased ratio of terminal to vellus hair. The GAIS suggested that CGF treatments were effective in treating AGA, and the majority of patients were satisfied with their improvement. In addition, treatments resulted in a faster rate of hair growth and a decrease in the greasy and unpleasant sensation of the hair of the patients. At the last visit, none of the 15 patients reported experiencing side-effects during the follow-up period. To conclude, the application of CGF can be an effective method in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.