Modified technique of autologous noncultured epidermal cell transplantation for repigmenting vitiligo: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Several reports have demonstrated that grafting of autologous melanocytes from normally pigmented donor skin can be used for repigmentation of achromic macules in vitiligo.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate a modified approach in which noncultured autologous melanocytes and keratinocytes are grafted on superficially laser dermabraded vitiligo lesions in a suspension enriched with hyaluronic acid.


METHODS
Four patients with stable vitiligo were treated using a noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension. The cellular suspension was grafted on vitiliginous lesions previously dermabraded with a CO2 laser. To improve the viscosity and fixation of the cellular suspension hyaluronic acid was added. Three weeks after grafting, psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy was started. Residual leukodermic areas were subsequently retreated.


RESULTS
Repigmentation was observed within 2-4 weeks and continued to increase for 3 months after treatment. In all patients, 85-100% repigmentation was achieved. A temporary slight color mismatch was visible in all patients. The most homogeneous repigmentation was obtained 5 months after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This modified procedure seems to be a simple and promising treatment for larger vitiliginous areas.
van Geel
N
N
Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Ongenae
K
K
De Mil
M
M
Naeyaert
J M
JM
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013535:Suspensions; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D013535:Suspensions; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid