Novel method for preparation of autologous leucocyte rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) under closed system and assessment of its clinical efficacy in androgenetic alopecia-A retrospective cohort study.

Autologous PRP prepared using commercially available kits is being utilized by many centers for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. However, consensus guidelines for preparation, quality standards, and application schedule are still lacking. This retrospective study was conducted to assess clinical efficacy of L-PRP in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the effect of a number of PRP applications on the extent of clinical benefit. A total of 46 (8 mild, 26 moderate, and 12 severe alopecia) AGA patients undergoing autologous PRP therapy for 5 years (2016 to 2021) were included in the analysis. L-PRP prepared from 150 ml autologous whole blood by a novel method, was applied at monthly intervals. Effect of number of applications on outcome measures [percent negative on pull (PN-pull) and tug (PN-tug) tests, global pictures, and a patient satisfaction score] across different grades of AGA, was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Significant improvement was seen in mild and moderate grades of alopecia while no improvement was observed in PN-tug across all grades of severity irrespective of the number of PRP sessions. Patient satisfaction score (5.2/10) was best in patients with moderate severity of alopecia after 2 sessions. Global pictures showed an increment in hair density in 52%, 46%, and 16% of patients with mild, moderate, and severe alopecia, respectively. Overall, 2 applications of auto L-PRP showed clinical benefit in patients with mild-moderate alopecia while the third application was not found to offer any added benefit. Longer controlled trials are needed to establish a standardized protocol.