Desmond, Cheryl M.

BACKGROUNDAndrogenic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder. Studies have demonstrated successful treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in men, but studies in women are few.OBJECTIVETo evaluate PRP in the treatment of AGA in women, compared with topical minoxidil.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwenty women with AGA received topical minoxidil for 12 weeks and injectable PRP for 12 weeks in a randomized crossover design with an 8-week washout between treatments. Standardized TrichoScan analysis and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed at baseline and 12-week follow-up for each treatment.RESULTSAfter PRP, significant increases from baseline to Week 12 in TrichoScan analysis hair count (p= .002) and vellus hair density (p= .009) occurred. However, minoxidil resulted in significant increases in hair count (p< .001), vellus hair density (p= .03), terminal hair density (p= .004), and cumulative thickness (p= .004). Several quality of life responses improved from baseline to Week 12 after PRP treatment, whereas no improvements were noted after minoxidil.CONCLUSIONPlatelet-rich plasma is an effective treatment for hair regrowth in female AGA, although not as effective as minoxidil. However, the improved quality of life responses after PRP, but not minoxidil, suggest a potential overall greater degree of satisfaction with PRP.LEVELS OF EVIDENCEI.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONNCT03488108.

Adipose-derived therapies have increased in popularity for treatment of painful orthopaedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis. We report the passage of fat into a Baker’s cyst after injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue in a patient with bilateral knee arthritis. Following fat grafting, the patient required drainage of fatty fluid from within the Baker’s cyst on multiple occasions. Approximately 3 months postprocedure, she began to notice an improvement in her knee pain with no further recurrence of pain or swelling from her Baker’s cyst.