[The prevalence of autoimmune endocrine diseases in vitiligo patients]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Autoimmunology

Background:

• Vitiligo is a common polygenic autoimmune disorder characterized by melanocyte death and skin depigmentation.
• The autoimmune hypothesis is considered the leading explanation for vitiligo pathogenesis.
• Comorbid autoimmune endocrine conditions are frequently observed in vitiligo patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize existing literature on the prevalence and patterns of comorbid endocrine autoimmune diseases in individuals with vitiligo.
• To highlight the association between vitiligo and various autoimmune endocrine pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of available literature data.
• Analysis of prevalence and structure of comorbid endocrine autoimmune pathology in vitiligo patients across different geographical regions (Europe, America, Asia).

Main Results:

• Vitiligo patients exhibit a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves disease), diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency compared to the general population.
• Autoimmune thyroid diseases represent the most prevalent comorbid pathology in vitiligo.
• Associations were noted with autoimmune polyglandular syndromes, particularly in women, nonsegmental vitiligo, and those with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
• Increased depigmentation area correlates with a higher prevalence of endocrine diseases.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the importance of routine screening for comorbid endocrine autoimmune diseases in vitiligo patients for early detection and treatment.
• Further research is warranted to explore the impact of these associations on disease progression, treatment efficacy, and patient quality of life.