Subjective and objective evaluation of noncultured epidermal cellular grafting for repigmenting vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Noncultured epidermal cell transplantation in vitiligo permits the coverage of relatively large areas without culturing cells.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of noncultured epidermal cell transplantation in treating stabilized vitiligo using objective and subjective evaluation methods.


METHODS
Noncultured autologous melanocytes and keratinocytes were grafted in a hyaluronic-acid-enriched suspension on superficially laser-abraded vitiligo lesions in 40 patients with refractory stable vitiligo (30 with generalized and 10 with localized vitiligo). The repigmentation was evaluated 3-12 months after grafting using a digital image analysis system. Furthermore the treatment was evaluated from the patients' point of view with the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) and a 'global assessment'.


RESULTS
The mean percentage of repigmentation, evaluated at the last follow-up visit, was 72% (median 84%), and a repigmentation of >or=70% was observed in 62% of patients. The best results were achieved in the neck and the presternal region. A subjective evaluation was performed in half of the subjects. The mean DLQI score at inclusion (6.95, SD = 6.68, n = 20) was significantly decreased after treatment (p = 0.013, mean 3.85, SD = 4.13, n = 20). The patients were satisfied with the achieved result, found it worthwhile to undergo the treatment and would choose it again.


CONCLUSIONS
According to both subjective and objective evaluation methods, noncultured epidermal cell transplantation is promising in patients with stable vitiligo.
van Geel
Nanny
N
Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Ongenae
Katia
K
Vander Haeghen
Yves
Y
Vervaet
Chris
C
Naeyaert
Jean Marie
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*