Level B· Emerging Clinical Evidence
The safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction for nonscarring alopecia: A systematic review
Kang B.Y., Li A.W., Lee M.H., Alam M.
Six studies with 188 patients, including three RCTs; all found improved hair density with no reported severe adverse events.
- Study type
- Systematic Review
- Journal
- Archives of Dermatological Research (2022)
- Country
- United States
- Sample size
- 188
- Follow-up
- Varied across included studies
- PMID
- 34014340
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00403-021-02238-7
What was studied
Utility and safety of SVF in nonscarring alopecia such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Methods
- • Searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to November 2020.
Key findings
- • All studies found improved hair density versus control or baseline.
- • Response depended on follow-up duration, alopecia severity and ADSC concentration within the SVF.
- • Some studies reported increased hair thickness.
Limitations
- • Small total patient numbers.
- • SVF concentration and preparation varied widely.
What this study does not prove
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • Limited follow-up cannot indicate long-term outcomes.
Clinical interpretation
Includes RCTs, making it among the better evidence bases in the hair category.
Evidence level: Emerging Clinical Evidence