Injectable platelet-rich fibrin versus intradermal tranexamic acid for facial melasma
Official title: Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Intradermal Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma: A Randomized Split-Face Study
Run by Kasr El Aini Hospital · NCT07540702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This compares injections of a patient's own platelet-rich fibrin with tiny intradermal tranexamic acid shots to see which reduces facial melasma better in adult women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 21 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kasr El Aini Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07540702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18–50 with bilateral symmetrical mild-to-moderate facial melasma and Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV who have not had recent melasma-specific treatments or facial procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have bleeding/coagulation disorders, use anticoagulants, NSAIDs, or hormonal contraception, have uncontrolled systemic disease, or have non-symmetrical or markedly different skin types may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized split-face trial enrolls adult women with bilateral symmetrical facial melasma and treats one side with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and the other side with intradermal tranexamic acid. Participants receive five treatment sessions at two-week intervals with within-subject comparison to reduce variability. Outcomes include mMASI scoring, Antera 3D imaging, Physician Global Assessment, patient satisfaction, and the Melasma Quality of Life questionnaire, with safety monitoring for local and systemic adverse events. The study is conducted at Kasr El Aini Hospital in Cairo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a more effective and longer-lasting option to reduce facial melasma and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Intradermal tranexamic acid has shown promising results in prior studies, while i-PRF has biological rationale but limited clinical evidence specifically for melasma.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of bilateral symmetrical facial melasma (epidermal or mixed type) * Female participants aged 18 to 50 years * Fitzpatrick skin types III to IV * Mild to moderate facial melasma * No melasma-specific treatment within the previous 4 weeks * No facial procedures, including peeling, laser resurfacing, or microneedling, within the previous 3 months * Willing and able to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation * Bleeding or coagulation disorders * Use of anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or hormonal contraception * Active skin infection or facial inflammation * History of keloids or Koebner-prone conditions, such as psoriasis or vitiligo * Uncontrolled systemic disease, such as diabetes mellitus or autoimmune disease
Where it's running
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Kasr El Aini Hospital
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Heba Ahmed
- Email: heba.a.abdelgayed@kasralainy.edu.eg
- Phone: +201016532351
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.