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Association between vitiligo and spondyloarthritis
A Padula1, G Ciancio, L La Civita
1Rheumatology Department of Lucania, S. Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|March 15, 2001
Summary
This study found that vitiligo and spondyloarthritis (SpA) occur together more often than expected by chance. These findings suggest vitiligo should be recognized as a condition associated with SpA.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases.
- Vitiligo is a condition causing skin depigmentation.
- The co-occurrence of SpA and vitiligo requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if spondyloarthritis (SpA) and vitiligo have a statistically significant association.
- To evaluate the frequency of vitiligo in patients with SpA compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive patients with SpA were assessed for vitiligo by a dermatologist.
- A control group of patients without SpA was established.
- Prevalence of vitiligo was compared between SpA and control cohorts.
Main Results:
- Vitiligo was observed in 3.4% of SpA patients versus 1.06% in controls (p < 0.05).
- The co-occurrence was statistically significant, indicating a non-random association.
- Vitiligo in SpA patients was associated with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and undifferentiated SpA.
Conclusions:
- Vitiligo and SpA do not appear to coexist randomly.
- Vitiligo should be considered in the spectrum of diseases associated with SpA.
- Further research into the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions is warranted.