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Pei D, Zeng L, Huang X, Wang B, Liu L, Zhang G. Efficacy and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:1560-1572. [PMID: 38239003 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide dermatologists with more clinical experience in treating androgenetic alopecia, we evaluated the effect and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenetic alopecia. METHODS Studies on combined microneedling for hair loss were comprehensively searched by us in PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane Library Database. The literature search spanned the period from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed, and the literature was screened according to this criteria. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. The researcher applied Revman 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software to analyze the data after extracting information from the data. RESULTS Finally, 13 RCTs involving 696 AGA patients were included to compare the clinical effectiveness and adverse events of combined MN therapy with single MN therapy or single drug therapy for AGA. The results of meta-analysis showed as follows: (1) Hair density and diameter changes: The combined MN group was significantly better than any single treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant (MD = 13.36, 95% CI = [8.55, 18.16], Z = 5.45, p < 0.00001; MD = 18.11, 95% CI = [13.70, 22.52], Z = 8.04, p < 0.00001; MD = 13.36, 95% CI = [8.55, 18.16], Z = 5.45, p < 0.00001; MD = 2.50, 95% CI = [0.99, 4.02], Z = 3.23, p = 0.001); (2) the evaluation of satisfaction for efficacy: The doctor satisfaction rating of the combined MN group was significantly higher than that of any single treatment group, with statistical difference (RR = 2.03, 95% CI = [1.62, 2.53], Z = 6.24, p < 0.00001). The difference between the two groups regarding patients satisfaction was not significant (RR = 3.44, 95% CI = [0.67, 17.59], Z = 1.49, p = 0.14). (3) Safety: There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between combination therapy and monotherapy (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = [0.62, 1.12], Z = 1.22, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION The combined MN group showed statistically significant improvement in hair density and diameter, and good safety compared with monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danning Pei
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Linxi Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
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Abdi P, Awad C, Anthony MR, Farkouh C, Kenny B, Maibach HI, Ogunyemi B. Efficacy and safety of combinational therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:2775-2785. [PMID: 37665358 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia is a widespread condition that is the most common type of hair loss affecting approximately 58% and 40% of men and women by the age of 50, respectively. Patients have been known to experience severe distress due to androgenetic alopecia, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of combination therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling compared to topical minoxidil alone. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The literature search was performed using Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, and the National Institutes of Health's United States National Library of Medicine from inception through January 20, 2023. Randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of combinational therapy and monotherapy using microneedling and minoxidil on patients with clinically diagnosed androgenetic alopecia were included after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Ten randomized controlled trials, including 466 patients, were selected for this review and eight studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. All eight studies displayed a statistically significant increase in total hair count [standard mean difference (SMD) 1.76; 95% CI 1.26-2.26; P < 0.00001]; however, the evidence did not support a statistically significant increase in hair diameter (SMD 0.82; 95% CI - 0.01 to 1.65; P = 0.05). No scarring nor serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. The findings of this meta-analysis strongly support the utilization of a multimodal therapeutic approach of minoxidil and microneedling for hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, variations in factors such as rating scale measurements, microneedling methods, and areas of treatment may have resulted in confounding. Further randomized controlled, large-sample trials employing rigorous methodologies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding regarding treatment efficacy, namely the impact of combinational therapy on hair diameter.Clinical trial registrations This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023391164) and the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) database (INPLASY202310031).
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Abdi
- Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine, 300 Prince Philip Dr, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Christian Awad
- Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine, 300 Prince Philip Dr, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | | | | | - Bret Kenny
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, 835 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E8, Canada
| | - Howard I Maibach
- Division of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Boluwaji Ogunyemi
- Division of Dermatology, Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine, 300 Prince Philip Dr, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
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Yin M, Zeng Y, Liu HQ, Zhang W, Wang C, Chen C, Li W. Dissolving Microneedle Patch Integrated with Microspheres for Long-Acting Hair Regrowth Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:17532-17542. [PMID: 36975753 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of progressive hair loss in both men and women that severely reduces life quality and affects patients' self-esteem. Due to the shortcomings of traditional therapeutic formulations (e.g., topical minoxidil and oral finasteride), such as low bioavailability, frequent dosing, and significant side effects, there is an urgent need to develop a safe and effective strategy for AGA treatment. Here, we report a water-soluble microneedle (MN) patch integrated with biodegradable minoxidil (MXD)-loaded microspheres for long-acting AGA treatment with reduced administration frequency and improved patient compliance. When the patch pierces the skin, the MNs rapidly dissolve and deliver MXD-encapsulated polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres into the skin, which, subsequently act as drug reservoirs for the sustained release of the therapeutics for over 2 weeks. Additionally, the application of the MN patch provided a mechanical stimulation on mouse skin, which was also helpful for hair regrowth. Compared with the topical MXD solutions that have been commercialized on the market and require daily application, the long-acting MN patch contains a much lower drug amount and shows a similar or superior hair regeneration effect in AGA mice while only requiring monthly or weekly administration. These encouraging results suggest a simple, safe, and effective strategy for long-acting hair regeneration in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirong Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yongnian Zeng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Han-Qing Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chenyuan Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Jia L, Xiong J, Guo R, Li Y, Jiang H. A Comprehensive Review of Microneedling as a Potential Treatment Option for Androgenetic Alopecia. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022; 46:2979-2994. [PMID: 35930041 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-022-03042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microneedling refers to a minimally invasive technique that uses multiple fine needles targeted skin epidermis for mechanical stimulation to obtain therapeutic or cosmetic effects. It is suitable for the treatment of a variety of dermatological conditions, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA). OBJECTIVE This article aims to make a comprehensive review of the relevant studies on microneedling for the management of AGA. METHODS Extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. 4 in vivo studies and 25 clinical trials were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The effects of microneedling on AGA was investigated in animal experiments. Several clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials, strengthen the validity of the findings. Microneedling therapy showed some encouraging results with minor complications when used alone or in combination with topical products. CONCLUSIONS Microneedling appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for AGA. Larger and more randomized controlled trials regarding the role of microneedling in AGA are strongly recommended to provide more definitive evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jiachao Xiong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Jia L, Xiong J, Guo R, Li Y, Jiang H. Effects of microneedling with 5% minoxidil topical solution combination therapy in treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:5665-5671. [PMID: 35861653 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microneedling (MN) therapy is one of minimal invasive operations with needles rolled over skin to puncturing the epidermis, and it is becoming a widely used treatment during various dermatological diseases includes androgenetic alopecia (AGA). OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study is to investigate the clinical observation and safety of MN combined with 5% minoxidil on triggering hair growth in AGA patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study has analyzed 18 AGA patients who were treated by MN in combination with 5% minoxidil topical solution between July 2021 and February 2022. All patients received six sessions of treatment under aseptic condition at an interval of 1 week. Assessment of hair regrowth was done at the baseline and 10 weeks by photography, investigator, and patient assessment global scoring table on clinical improvement, and the patient's final satisfaction was investigated. RESULTS According to the standardized 7-point scale, mean scores of investigator and participant assessments were 1.44 ± 0.61 and 1.66 ± 0.59, respectively, indicating that the hair appearance was considerably improved by MN combined with 5% minoxidil treatment. Fifteen patients (83.3%) were satisfied with the improvement in hair growth. No severe adverse events were noted in patients during and after the procedure. CONCLUSION The combination of the length of 1.5 mm MN and 5% minoxidil in the treatment of AGA showed efficacy with high safety, which is worthy of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiachao Xiong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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English RS, Ruiz S, DoAmaral P. Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021; 12:41-60. [PMID: 34854067 PMCID: PMC8776974 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-021-00653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive procedure involving the induction of percutaneous wounds with medical-grade needles. In this literature review, we investigate clinical data on MN for the treatment of hair loss disorders. Methods A literature search was conducted through PubMed up to November 2021 to identify original articles evaluating the use of MN on hair loss disorders. The database was searched using the following keywords: “microneedling,” “micro needling,” “micro needle,” “microneedle,” “needle,” “dermaroller” and “alopecia,” “hair loss,” “alopecia,” “areata,” “cicatricial,” or “effluvium.” Results A total of 22 clinical studies featuring 1127 subjects met our criteria for inclusion. Jadad scores ranged from 1 to 3, with a mean of 2. As an adjunct therapy, MN improved hair parameters across genders and a range of hair loss types, severities, needling devices, needling depths of 0.50–2.50 mm, and session frequencies from once weekly to monthly. Across 17 investigations totaling 911 androgenic alopecia (AGA) subjects, MN improved hair parameters when paired with 5% minoxidil, growth factor solutions, and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) topicals, or when introduced to subjects whose hair count changes had plateaued for ≥ 6 months on other treatments. Across four investigations on 201 alopecia areata (AA) subjects, MN improved hair parameters as a standalone therapy versus cryotherapy, as an adjunct to 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy, and equivalently when paired with topical PRP versus carbon dioxide laser therapy with topical PRP. Across 657 subjects receiving MN, no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions Clinical studies demonstrate generally favorable results for MN as an adjunct therapy for AGA and AA. However, data are of relatively low quality. Significant heterogeneity exists across interventions, comparators, and MN procedures. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are recommended to discern the effects of MN as a standalone and adjunct therapy, determine best practices, and establish long-term safety. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-021-00653-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S English
- Perfect Hair Health, 2021 Fillmore, Ste 98, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA.
| | - Sophia Ruiz
- Perfect Hair Health, 2021 Fillmore, Ste 98, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
| | - Pedro DoAmaral
- Perfect Hair Health, 2021 Fillmore, Ste 98, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
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Gupta AK, Quinlan EM, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA. Microneedling for Hair Loss. J Cosmet Dermatol 2021; 21:108-117. [PMID: 34714971 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microneedling is a relatively novel therapeutic modality introduced in the 1990s where small, fine needles are used to create micro punctures in the skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure used for various dermatological conditions, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We comprehensively summarize the literature regarding microneedling in dermatology. We performed linear multivariable regressions to synthesize evidence from the clinical trials that investigated the efficacy of microneedling for AGA. Studies eligible for quantitative analyses were assessed for evidence quality. RESULTS The exact mechanism of microneedling action is yet to be determined, with theories that include the wound-healing cascade. Microneedling monotherapy significantly increased total hair count more than topical minoxidil 5% (β = 12.29; p < 0.001). The combination treatment of microneedling with topical 5% minoxidil increased total hair count significantly compared to monotherapy with microneedling (β = 7.63, p < 0.05). Increasing the overall treatment duration of microneedling and reducing the frequency of microneedling sessions may positively influence an increase in total hair count. CONCLUSION There are limited studies that investigate microneedling as a monotherapy for hair loss since majority of the trials combine it with other therapies such as topical minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma. While preliminary results look promising, further investigation of microneedling as a monotherapy in larger, randomized controlled trials will help determine its safety and efficacy, and place in treating AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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