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Published on: March 6, 2019
Assessment methods for the evaluation of vitiligo
K M Alghamdi1, A Kumar, A Taïeb
1Dermatology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. kmgderm@yahoo.com
Summary
Currently, no single method effectively assesses vitiligo. This review highlights that the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), rule of nine, and Wood's lamp are valuable for measuring vitiligo extent and progression.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Vitiligo assessment lacks a standardized methodology.
- A comprehensive review of vitiligo assessment techniques published between 1981 and 2011 was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify available vitiligo assessment techniques.
- To categorize methods as subjective, semi-objective, or objective.
- To differentiate between microscopic and macroscopic approaches, and those based on morphometry or colorimetry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of vitiligo assessment methods (1981-2011).
- Classification of techniques: subjective, semi-objective, objective; microscopic, macroscopic; morphometry, colorimetry.
- Evaluation of methods including visual assessment, photography, computerized image analysis, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and confocal laser microscopy (CLM).
Main Results:
- Methods were categorized based on subjectivity, scale, and measurement type (morphometry vs. colorimetry).
- Objective methods like software-based image analysis, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and CLM were identified.
- Reflectance confocal microscopy (CLM) offers real-time imaging for non-invasive assessment of pigmentary lesions.
Conclusions:
- No single method is superior for vitiligo assessment.
- Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), rule of nine, and Wood's lamp are recommended for clinical assessment and trials.
- These methods effectively measure pigmentary lesion degree, extent, and progression.
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