Melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation for stable vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common disorder with a worldwide prevalence of 1-2%. In India the psychological and social impact of the disease is significant and is detrimental to patients.

To evaluate the usefulness of epidermal cell transplantation in the treatment of vitiligo.

A simpler and modified method based on that of Olsson and Juhlin has been used. It utilizes a shave biopsy skin sample of up to one-tenth the size of the recipient area. The skin sample is incubated, the cells mechanically separated using trypsin EDTA solution, and then centrifuged to prepare a suspension. The cell suspension is then applied to the derm-abraded depigmented skin area and collagen dressing is applied to keep it in place.

One hundred and twenty-two patients with generalized vitiligo, 43 with segmental and 19 with focal vitiligo were treated and observed for a period of 1 year. In the generalized vitiligo group 65 (53%) showed excellent pigmentation, 10 (8%) showed good pigmentation, 11 (9%) showed fair pigmentation and 28 (23%) patients showed poor pigmentation. Eight (7%) patients did not follow up. Thirty-six (84%), five (12%) and two (4%) patients showed excellent, good and poor pigmentation, respectively, in the segmental vitiligo group. Thirteen (69%) and five (26%) patients showed excellent and poor results, respectively, in the focal vitiligo group. One (5%) patient did not appear for follow up. Recurrence was observed in 15 patents.

This surgical treatment gives its best results in segmental and focal vitiligo, even with large affected areas, and in at least 50% of patients with generalized vitiligo, thus improving their appearance.