Evaluating treatments for male androgenetic alopecia: clinical profile and comparative efficacy of platelet rich plasma and minoxidil with finasteride

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, hereditary, and androgen-dependent disorder characterized by progressive hair thinning on the scalp, affecting both men and women. It arises from follicular miniaturization, leading to the conversion of terminal hair into vellus hair. Methods: This study is a single-center, prospective, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with four parallel arms designed to evaluate treatments for male pattern baldness. Eighty patients were randomized into four groups: Group 1 received topical minoxidil and finasteride solution, group 2 received PRP alone, group 3 received PRP with minoxidil and finasteride solution, and group 4 received normal saline (NS). Interventions were administered monthly over three months, followed by a three-month follow-up period. Treatment effects were assessed using measures such as patient self-assessment, global photography, and the hair pull test. Results: Group 3 (Combined treatment) showed the most significant improvement in the hair pull test after six months (73.33% negative tests), followed by group 2 (PRP treatment) with 60% improvement. Patient satisfaction scores were highest in group 3 across all follow-ups (F1 to F5), demonstrating superior treatment response compared to other groups (p<0.001). Global photography assessments indicated varying results among groups, with group 4 recording the highest proportion of fair improvements (58.5%). Group 3 exhibited the highest percentage of patients with above-average improvement. Conclusions: Our study provides valuable insights into managing AGA, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining PRP with topical treatments compared to individual therapies and placebo.