Objective: To compare the efficacy of intralesional injections of platelet-rich plasma therapy with local injections of Triamcinolone acetonide in managing alopecia areata patients

Methods: This study was conducted at Department of Dermatology-II, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from July 10, 2022 to January 10, 2023. 108 patients, 54 in each Group-A & B fulfilling the selection criteria were enrolled. Group A received intralesional injections of PRP. Group B received intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/ml).

The two modalities of treatment were given at 0, 4 and 8 weeks and response was assessed after 1 month of completion of treatment The treatment response was assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, after 12 weeks of therapy. The hair regrowth more than 50% from baseline was considered as efficacious. Both groups were compared for efficacy using Chi-square test taking p-value ≤0.05 as significant.

Results: Of these 108 study cases, 41 (38.0 %) were male patients while 67 (62.0 %) were female patients. Mean age of our study cases was 31.28 ± 11.55 years. Mean disease duration was 11.31 ± 7.34 months and 70 (64.8 %) had duration of illness more than 6 months. Efficacy was noted in 45 (41.7%), in group A efficacy was noted in 29 (64%) versus 16 (36%) in group B (P = 0.011). 

Conclusion: The present study revealed that platelet rich plasma injections are effective and safe in patients with alopecia areata compared to Triamcinolone acetonide. Efficacy was higher among patients treated with intra – lesional injections of platelet rich plasma in comparison with Triamcinolone acetonide but not significant as p value (P= 0.011).

Key words: Alopecia Areata, Efficacy, Triamcinolone acetonide, Platelet rich Plasma