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Depigmentation during vitiligo activity spares epithelial grafted areas
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|July 3, 2016
Summary
Epithelial grafts for vitiligo (a depigmenting disease) remained stable during active disease phases. This suggests new melanocytes from grafts can resist immune attacks, offering hope for surgical vitiligo management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder with unpredictable active phases involving immune attacks on melanocytes.
- Epithelial grafting is a surgical option for recalcitrant vitiligo, aiming to introduce new melanocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term stability of successful epithelial grafts during subsequent vitiligo activity episodes.
Main Methods:
- 20 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo underwent epithelial grafting.
- Graft success was maintained with UV therapy for one year.
- Patients were monitored for new disease activity phases.
Main Results:
- All grafted areas remained repigmented despite subsequent vitiligo activity.
- New depigmented lesions appeared in non-grafted skin areas, both near and remote from grafts.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial grafts demonstrate permanency even during active vitiligo, highlighting the value of surgical interventions.
- The new melanocytes from grafts appear resistant to autoimmune attacks, unlike native melanocytes.
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