Efficacy of ultrathin epidermal grafting followed by narrow band ultraviolet B therapy for stable vitiligo: a novel therapy

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Different surgical techniques in the form of tissue or cellular grafting procedures are used alone or in combination with narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) to treat stable vitiligo resistant to medical treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the cosmetic results obtained with combination therapy of ultrathin split-thickness skin grafts and adjuvant NBUVB therapy in resistant, stable vitiligo.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>Forty patients of stable vitiligo were treated with ultrathin split-thickness grafting and the patients were then put on NBUVB therapy. Extent of repigmentation and final cosmetic outcome at the recipient as well as donor sites were assessed<span lang="EN-US">.<strong></strong></span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>The initial evidence of repigmentation was noted in the second week after starting NBUVB. Results showed 85% of patients had more than 90% repigmentation and the overall cosmetic results at the recipient site was good to excellent in 90% patients at the end of NBUVB treatment. Perigraft halo of depigmentation was seen in five patients (12%) on the recipient site. Hypertrophic scarring was seen in two patients at the donor site.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Ultrathin split-thickness skin grafting, when combined with NBUVB therapy, leads to better cosmetic outcome with faster onset of repigmentation in resistant and stable vitiligo.</p>