A new model of epidermal culture for the surgical treatment of vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo can be successfully treated with grafts of autologous cultured epidermal cells.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of autologous grafting of epidermal cells, cultured by an original method, in the treatment of localized vitiligo refractory to other therapies.


METHODS
Autologous normally pigmented skin was used to culture keratinocytes and melanocytes on a supporting layer of biomaterial (Laserskin), which was grafted directly onto achromatic skin after de-epithelialization with liquid carbon dioxide. The percentage area of repigmentation was calculated by image analysis.


RESULTS
Initial repigmentation of the treated areas was observed 1 month after treatment. Repigmentation continued to increase for 3 months after grafting. Follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months showed almost complete repigmentation in six out of 11 cases. In four other patients, 40-71% of the grafted achromatic area was repigmented. In one patient, repigmentation was impeded by sepsis.


CONCLUSIONS
The method was found to be effective in the treatment of localized vitiligo refractory to other treatments. The therapeutic procedure was simple, reproducible, and easy to use.
Andreassi
L
L
Department of Dermatology, University of Siena, Italy.
Pianigiani
E
E
Andreassi
A
A
Taddeucci
P
P
Biagioli
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials