AUTHOR=Jiang Shangxuan , Hao Zhuolun , Qi Wenli , Wang Zhenxing , Zhou Muran , Guo Nengqiang 

TITLE=The efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs for hair loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1130623

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2023.1130623

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Background Prostaglandin analogues have been found to have more versatile uses: treatment of open-angle glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, vitiligo, and other treatments. And prostaglandin analogues have been found to have an important role in the hair growth cycle. However, prostaglandin analogues have not been sufficiently studied for hair (including hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows) regeneration. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of topical prostaglandin analogues on hair loss was performed.
Objective The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy and safety of topical prostaglandin analogues for treating hair loss.
Methods  We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases comprehensively. Data were pooled using Review Manager 5.4.1, and subgroup analyses were performed if necessary. 
Results There were six randomized controlled trials included in this meta-analysis. All studies compared prostaglandin analogues with placebo, and one trial consisted of two sets of data. The results showed that prostaglandin analogues could significantly improve the hair length and density (P＜0.001). As far as adverse events are concerned, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. 
Conclusions In patients with hair loss, the topical prostaglandin analogues have better therapeutic efficacy and safety. However, the best dose and frequency of experimental treatment require further studies.
Keywords Hair loss, Prostaglandin analogue, Bimatoprost, Latanoprost, Cetirizine, Meta-analysis