Autologous melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension in the treatment of vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
In stable vitiligo, several techniques of autologous transplantation of melanocytes are used. Autologous melanocyte transplantation of non-cultured melanocytes is one of those techniques with variable reported outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation in cases of stable vitiligo.


METHODS
A total of 25 cases of vitiligo were treated by autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation. After 6-17 months, patients' response was evaluated according to the extent of pigmentation (excellent 90-100%, good 50-89%, fair 20-49% and poor response <20%).


RESULTS
Of the 25 patients treated, 22 continued the follow-up period. Five (23%) patients showed excellent response, 7 (32%) good, 6 (27%) fair and 4(18%) showed poor response.


CONCLUSIONS
Unlike transplantation of cultured melanocytes, which requires experience in culture technique, autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation is an easy economic technique, which may be used in resistant areas of stable vitiligo.
El-Zawahry
B M
BM
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kasr El-Aini University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Zaki
N S
NS
Bassiouny
D A
DA
Sobhi
R M
RM
Zaghloul
A
A
Khorshied
M M
MM
Gouda
H M
HM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult