Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Non-cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension and Epidermal Curettage in Stable Vitiligo.

Abstract

Context:Vitiligo is a common primary acquired pigmentary disorder due to loss of epidermal functioning melanocytes. Many surgical techniques have evolved over the years for its treatment and the need of a cost-effective modality has always been put forward.Aim:The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of non-cultured epidermal cell suspension with that of epidermal curettage in repigmentation of stable vitiligo.Settings and Design:It was a prospective randomized non-controlled study.Subjects and Methods:Forty lesions were selected in patients of stable, recalcitrant vitiligo belonging to different age-groups and genders. After histopathological confirmation, the patients were taken up for surgery after obtaining written consent and were divided into two groups for two different procedures, that is, non-cultured epidermal cell suspension (Group A) and epidermal curettage (Group B). Follow-up was carried out at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of procedure to assess the repigmentation achieved.Statistical Analysis:Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0, was used.Results:At the end of the study, >50% repigmentation was achieved in 95% (19 of 20) lesions of Group A and 85% (17 of 20) lesions in Group B, whereas >75% repigmentation was achieved in 60% (12 of 20) in both Groups A and B. The color matching with surrounding skin and yield of graft was better in epidermal cell suspension technique than that in epidermal curettage. The difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion:Though both the surgical techniques of melanocyte transplantation are effective in achieving uniform pigmentation, epidermal curettage has an extra edge of being simpler and more cost-effective.