Comorbidities in Patients with Vitiligo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Immunology
• Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
• Epidemiology of Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by skin depigmentation.
• Previous reports suggest associations between vitiligo and various systemic diseases, but a comprehensive review is lacking.
• Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for holistic patient management.

Approach:

• A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 2022.
• Included observational studies comparing disease prevalence in vitiligo patients versus healthy controls.
• Excluded studies focused solely on pediatrics or laboratory findings.

Key Points:

• Vitiligo patients exhibit significantly higher risks for autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including alopecia areata (OR=2.63), discoid lupus erythematosus (OR=2.54), and Sjogren's syndrome (OR=2.50).
• Increased prevalence of other conditions such as myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hearing impairment, and ophthalmic abnormalities were observed.
• Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to quantify disease associations.

Conclusions:

• Vitiligo is associated with a wide spectrum of systemic diseases beyond dermatological manifestations.
• The findings underscore the importance of screening for and managing comorbid conditions in individuals with vitiligo.
• Integrated healthcare approaches are recommended for optimal patient outcomes.