D2.432 - Therapeutic Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis of Single Versus Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trials

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent form of hair loss with a substantial psychosocial burden. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained attention as a regenerative treatment due to its growth factor–mediated follicular stimulation. However, the strength and consistency of evidence remain uncertain, particularly when considering differences between single- and double-blinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of PRP therapy in AGA with a specific comparison across blinding designs.

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to November 2025. Eight RCTs involving 200 participants with AGA were included. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Outcomes included hair density, hair diameter, and hair pull test results. Subgroup analyses were performed for single-blinded and double-blinded RCTs. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s regression test.

PRP therapy significantly improved hair density compared with controls in double-blinded RCTs (MD = 42.62; 95% CI: 14.20–71.05; p < 0.01), single-blinded RCTs (MD = 31.12; 95% CI: 1.91–60.33; p = 0.04), and pooled analyses (MD = 38.49; 95% CI: 11.92–65.06; p < 0.01). Hair diameter increased significantly in pooled analyses (MD = 19.35; 95% CI: 10.59–28.11; p < 0.01). PRP therapy demonstrated a significant reduction in hair shedding based on the hair pull test (MD = −5.02; 95% CI: −8.94 to −1.10; p = 0.01). Egger’s test revealed no evidence of publication bias.

PRP therapy is associated with significant improvement in hair density, hair diameter, and hair retention in patients with androgenic alopecia. These beneficial effects were consistent across both single- and double-blinded randomized controlled trials, supporting PRP as an effective therapeutic option for AGA.