Undiagnosed Cicatricial Alopecia Among New Patients Undergoing Platelet-Rich Plasma

April 2021 in “ JAAD International ”

James T. Pathoulas, Isabel M. Pupo Wiss, Kelly E. Flanagan, Chloe J. Walker, Laura J. Burns, Ehsan Azimi, Maryanne M. Senna

cicatricial alopecia platelet-rich plasma pattern hair loss trichoscopy scalp biopsies dermatologists PRP PHL

TLDR 6.4% of patients had undiagnosed cicatricial alopecia, highlighting the need for thorough evaluations by trained dermatologists before treatment.

This study evaluated the incidence of undiagnosed cicatricial alopecia among 173 new patients undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for presumed pattern hair loss (PHL). It found that 6.4% of these patients had undiagnosed cicatricial alopecia, which can present similarly to PHL. The study highlighted the importance of comprehensive evaluations, including trichoscopy and scalp biopsies, by trained dermatologists before PRP treatment to optimize outcomes and prevent irreversible hair loss. The findings suggested that non-trained personnel might miss cicatricial alopecia diagnoses, posing a risk to patients. The study called for reforms in practice regulations to enhance patient safety.