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Childhood vitiligo
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Childhood vitiligo presents differently, often as segmental vitiligo with family history of autoimmune diseases or premature graying. Children show higher autoantibody levels and respond poorly to topical psoralens and long-wave ultraviolet light (PUVA) therapy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by depigmentation.
- Understanding childhood vitiligo is crucial due to its potential distinct characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize childhood vitiligo.
- To compare childhood vitiligo with adult vitiligo and other pediatric skin conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 82 children diagnosed with vitiligo.
- Comparison with control groups of children with other skin diseases and adults with vitiligo.
- Evaluation of family history for autoimmune/endocrine diseases and premature graying.
- Assessment of organ-specific serum autoantibodies.
- Analysis of treatment response to topical psoralens and long-wave ultraviolet light (PUVA) therapy.
Main Results:
- Children showed a significantly higher incidence of segmental vitiligo (p < 0.01).
- Increased incidence of autoimmune/endocrine diseases and premature graying in family members (p < 0.001).
- Higher prevalence of organ-specific serum autoantibodies in children with vitiligo compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- Topical PUVA therapy yielded acceptable responses in only 18% of children, less than in adults.
Conclusions:
- Childhood vitiligo represents a distinct subset with unique clinical and familial associations.
- Strong links to autoimmune/endocrine conditions and premature graying in families.
- Presence of autoantibodies and limited efficacy of topical PUVA therapy in pediatric cases.