الفهرس 
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Abstract
A
ndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common pattern of scalp hair loss in both men and women. It results from shortening of the anagen phase of the hair cycle and subsequently, miniaturization of hair follicles.
This disease is important because of the intense emo-tional distress it causes by disrupting self-image leading to overwhelming effects on the patient’s quality of life.
Diagnosis and therapy of hair and scalp diseases were in the last years subject to significant progress. One of the major developments was employing imaging techniques, including hair and scalp folliscope.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as autologous blood with a concentration of platelets above baseline values. Growth factors released by platelets recruit reparative cells and may augment wound healing. It has been found to be beneficial in dermatology, for example in acne scarring, wound healing and fat transplantation. It has also been shown to promote hair survival and growth, both in vitro and in vivo.
Activated PRP stimulates proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in the hair follicle bulge area via multiple molecular mechanisms such as up regulation of transcriptional activity of ß-catenin resulting in differentiation of stem cells into hair follicle cells and increased VEGF and PDGF which are proangiogenic resulting in increased perifollicular vascular plexus.
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has been identified as one the important growth factors inducing hair growth. It is believed to play an important role in the success of PRP in treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the concentration of PDGF in a PRP preparation and the results obtained through using this preparation in treatment of FPHL. The study was done on 20 female patients with female pattern hair loss. All were subjected to detailed history taking and examination to exclude any patients with signs of hyperandrogenism.
The patients were subjected to folliscopic examination, clinical assessment using digital images and a questionnaire was filled by the patients regarding satisfaction and side effects. The concentration of PDGF was measured in the PRP used. The obtained data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Our results showed a statistically significant increase terminal hair density following treatment sessions, with no statistically significant correlation between the PDGF concentration and increase in hair density.
In conclusion, PRP is an effective treatment modality in FPHL, however, the exact role of PDGF and the effect of its concentration level on the efficacy of PRP still needs further assessment.