Updates on the Association Between Vitiligo and Thyroid Diseases: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Dermatology
• Autoimmunology

Background:

• Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition affecting skin pigmentation.
• Co-occurrence with other autoimmune diseases, particularly thyroid disorders, is frequently observed.
• Understanding shared autoimmune mechanisms is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in vitiligo patients.
• To investigate potential shared autoimmune mechanisms between vitiligo and thyroid diseases.
• To underscore the importance of screening vitiligo patients for thyroid dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science).
• Data from 13 trials involving 82,230 participants were analyzed.
• Prevalence rates and correlations between vitiligo and thyroid disorders were calculated.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of thyroid disorders in vitiligo patients was 3.5%, with individual study prevalence ranging from 3.2% to 32.1%.
• A significant correlation was observed between vitiligo and positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Vitiligo patients exhibit a higher likelihood of immunological comorbidities, especially thyroid disorders.

Conclusions:

• There is a strong association between vitiligo and the incidence of thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune thyroid conditions.
• Screening for and managing thyroid dysfunction in vitiligo patients is essential for improving overall health outcomes.
• Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop integrated treatment strategies.