Exosomes: Myth or reality? Efficacy and safety of exosomes versus platelet rich plasma in patients of androgenetic alopecia
Abstract
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is terminal hair loss from scalp after puberty. Currently, FDA approved treatments topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are not favourable by patients due to their adverse effects. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a commonly used effective therapy. Exosomes is another emerging treatment modality, showing promising results in patients of AGA.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of PRP and Exosomes in patients of androgenic alopecia areata.
Methods: This interventional study was conducted on AGA patients for one year. Patients were divided in two groups. Group A patients received injections exosomes whereas group B received PRP intradermally in scalp respectively, two sessions in exosomes group and 4 sessions in PRP group. In both groups patients were followed six months after the last procedure. The efficacy was assessed using trichoscopy, photographs, physician global assessment score and patient global assessment score.
Results: Among total 30 patients, mean age of patients was 37 years and 80% were males. At the end of 6 months, mean hair density, physician and patient global assessments showed significant improvement from baselines (p value < 0.05), more in Exosomes group as compared to PRP group. No significant adverse effect was observed in any patient.
Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the Exosomes have better efficacy and comparable safety than PRP in AGA.
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