Blister roof grafting, cultured melanocytes transplantation and non-cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation in treating stable vitiligo: A mutual self-control study

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of blister roof grafting (BG), cultured melanocytes transplantation (CMT) and non-cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation (NCES) in the treatment of stable vitiligo. Methods: In each person of 83 vitiligo patients one vitiligo macule was selected and divided in three areas for separate treatment with BG, CMT and NCES in the same session. The results were evaluated 12-month post-surgery for the extent of repigmentation and color match. Results: A satisfactory result (>50% repigmentation) was achieved in 92%, 82% and 81% of the 83 patients with the BG, CMT and NCES methods, respectively. Significant differences between the BG and CMT groups (p = 0.038), and between BG and NCES groups (p = 0.017) were observed, but not between the CMT and NCES groups (p = 0.986). The extent of repigmentation on the head neck and trunk was superior to that of the extremities by all the three methods. A difference in the time of onset of repigmentation was observed, with repigmentation first appearing after 10 days, 20–30 days and >30 days in the BG, CMT and NCES groups, respectively. Conclusions: All the three methods are safe and effective to treat vitiligo. Future studies with larger groups are warranted to confirm our results.