Suction blister grafting for vitiligo: efficacy and clinical predictive factors

Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is a well-established treatment modality for vitiligo, but predictive factors for outcomes are not well characterized.

To determine the efficacy and predictive variables for response to SBEG in patients with vitiligo.

A retrospective single-center review of all cases treated with SBEG was performed. Repigmentation was assessed by 2 independent reviewers by assessing pigment spread of grafts during the postoperative period. Repigmentation rates were then compared with patient demographics and transplant location.

A total of 28 patients were enrolled in this study. The total number of grafts was 129, of which 86.8% (112/129) survived. Highest rate of graft survival was seen in patients younger than 20 years (100%) and the lowest in patients older than 40 years (75%-78%). Repigmentation was seen in 68% of patients. The highest degree of pigment spread was on the neck (283%) and face (231%), whereas the hands and feet had the least response (119%).

Blister grafting is successful in most patients with vitiligo, with a high graft survival rate; however, the degree of pigment spread is variable and depends on clinical characteristics of the patient and graft site.