Platelet-rich plasma with low dose oral minoxidil (1.25mg versus 2.5mg) along with trichoscopic pre- and post-treatment evaluation.

Background: Low dose (<5 mg) oral minoxidil (OM) seems a promising option for male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA).

Aim: To evaluate the role of oral minoxidil 1.25 mg versus oral minoxidil 2.5 mg along with platelet-rich plasma in MAGA.

Methods: Group A consisted of forty-seven patients which included patients on OM 1.25 mg daily and platelet-rich plasma therapy, and Group B consisted of 48 patients on OM 2.5 mg daily and platelet-rich plasma therapy. Photographs were taken before and after treatment along with trichoscopic evaluation. Selection of the dermoscopic variables was based on the published literature.

Results: At 24 weeks, marked improvement on Global clinical photography (GCP) were seen in 19/47 (40.4%) in Group A and 28/48 (58.3%) patients in Group B with p value of 0.058. The total increase in total hair/cm was around 24 and 36 in group A and B, respectively, with p > 0.05. The percentage increase in mean total hair count/cm after 6 month of treatment was 15.41% in group A and 22.15% in group B, but they were not statistically significant. The patient satisfaction score on a Likert scale between both group were statistically significant,with Group B patients having a better satisfaction score.

Conclusion: This is a pilot study where OM along with PRP at different dosage (1.25mg vs 2.5mg) has been compared, low dose OM with PRP can be used in patients who are apprehensive of taking finasteride or dutasteride and are less responsive to topical minoxidil alone.