Novel HTK-AD effective in preventing postsurgical hair shedding among patients undergoing hair transplantation

For this purpose, the researchers enrolled 240 patients, and the follicles were placed into HTK-AD or Ringer solution. Live/dead staining and Masson staining were performed to assess apoptosis levels and graft morphology, respectively. They performed a between-group comparison of postsurgical graft shedding, complications, survival rate, and patient satisfaction.

The study revealed the following findings· Grafts in HTK-AD maintained organized dense collagen construction and higher cell viability, but those preserved in RS became soft, which hindered implantation.

· Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution with adenosine triphosphate and deferoxamine significantly reduced the incidence of postsurgical hair shedding (73.81% vs 95%), delayed shedding onset, and diminished shedding amount versus RS when ≥3,000 grafts were transplanted.

· The shedding duration was shortened, and hair regrowth started earlier in HTK-AD versus RS; thus, satisfaction was increased.

· The final survival rate showed no difference between the two groups.

"Our findings showed novel HTK-AD solution is more effective in preventing transient postsurgical hair shedding and preserving follicle grafts than the conventional RS in hair transplantation requiring long operative time," the researchers conclude.

Reference:

Zhou, Yi MD, PHD; Zhang, Jiaxian MD; Fan, Zhexiang MD, PHD; Hu, Zhiqi MD, PHD; Miao, Yong MD, PHD*. Evaluation of a Novel Graft-Holding Solution in Hair Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. Dermatologic Surgery ():10.1097/DSS.0000000000003799, April 7, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003799