Comparison of single-spin to double-spin platelet-rich plasma centrifugation methods in the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disease, caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormonal imbalances. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained significant recognition in treating AGA, but optimal treatment protocol regarding centrifugation techniques has yet to reach a standardized consensus. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of single-spin versus double-spin centrifugation protocols for PRP in patients with AGA. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for RCTs comparing single-spin to double-spin PRP in AGA patients. The primary endpoint was the final platelets count after centrifugation. Secondary endpoints included improvement in hair density, as well as terminal and vellus hair rate. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio software. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Results We included 90 participants with AGA from three RCTs. The pooled mean difference (MD) for platelets concentration was 66.14 in single-spin compared to double-spin PRP (95% CI: −372.96 to 505.25; p = 0.77; I2 = 83.5%). The MD for change in hair density was 4.10% in single versus double-spin (95% CI: −4.74 to 12.93; p = 0.36; I2 = 0%). Moreover, the MD for terminal and vellus hair after single-spin versus double-spin PRP was 1.16 (95% CI: −3.34 to 5.66; p = 0.61; I2 = 0%), and −3.59 (95% CI: −12.49 to 5.30; p = 0.45; I2 = 4.8%), respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that single-spin PRP centrifugation is better in treating AGA patients compared to double-spin PRP. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025643296, identifier CRD42025643296.

• Publication year

  2025

• Venue

  Frontiers in Medicine

• Publication date

  2025-07-21

• Fields of study

  Medicine

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3389/fmed.2025.1631087PMID 40761851PMCID 12318733
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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