Epidermal grafts for treatment of stable and progressive vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Previous reports have shown the effectiveness of epidermal grafts for patients with stable vitiligo. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of epidermal grafts in patients with stable and progressive vitiligo and to compare the results in both groups. Methods: Epidermal grafting with suction blisters was performed in 40 patients with vitiligo (26 stable and 14 progressive). The grafted sites and donor sites were examined for repigmentation for longer than 3 months, up to 2.5 years. Results: Complete repigmentation was observed in 19 patients with stable (73.1%) and 10 with progressive vitiligo (71.4%). Of the 29 patients who experienced complete repigmentation, we noted recurrences in 2 patients with stable disease (10.5%) and 4 with progressive disease (40%). Conclusion: Although patients with progressive vitiligo showed more frequent recurrence than those with stable disease, epidermal grafting may be an effective treatment not only for stable vitiligo but also for progressive vitiligo. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:412-7.)