Increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus in Indian vitiligo patients: A case-control study.
BACKGROUND
Though it is well-known that vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, few Indian studies have focused on the relation between vitiligo, autoimmune thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
This case-control study included 150 new cases of vitiligo and 100 age and sex-matched controls. A complete history and thorough dermatological examination was done. Serum samples from both patients and controls were collected and assayed for triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid antibodies-anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin and fasting plasma glucose.


RESULTS
Thyroid hormonal profile revealed autoimmune thyroid dysfunction manifesting as hypothyroidism in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients and two controls (2%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24 (16%) vitiligo patients and five controls. Seven (4.7%) patients had both hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a clear association between vitiligo, autoimmune hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. It would be very useful to screen for thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus in all patients with vitiligo.
Department of Dermatology, Maharajah's Institute of Medical Sciences, Nellimarla, Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
K V T
KV
Gopal
Department of Dermatology, Surya Skin Care and Research Center, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
G Raghurama
GR
Rao
Department of Dermatology, MVJ Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Y Harikishan
YH
Kumar
Autoimmune thyroid dysfunction; diabetes mellitus; vitiligo