Fractional carbon dioxide laser, platelet –rich plasma and narrow band ultraviolet B in the treatment of Vitiligo (A prospective randomized comparative trial)

Abstract

Abstract Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in patches due to loss of melanin pigmentation of specific areas of the skin. Although several hypotheses have been proposed, the leading theory is still the auto-immune etiology linked to specific genetic mutations. Vitiligo can also be associated with several autoimmune diseases. There is no curative treatment for vitiligo but, several treatment modalities are considered. Topical therapies like steroids and Calcineurin inhibitors are of popular use in clinical settings also, steroids can be administered systemically in vitiligo patients. Physical therapies as fractionated CO2 (Fr: CO2) laser and Narrowband-UV (NBUV) phototherapy represent a gold standard in treatment in clinical practice. Moreover, intralesional therapies are emerging, one of which is autologous platelet-rich plasma injection. Aim of the study This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of Fr: CO2 laser, PRP, combined Fr: CO2 laser and PRP, combined Fr: CO2 laser and NB-UVB, combined Fr: CO2 laser, PRP and NB-UVB in the treatment of vitiligo as well as reporting the side effects. Patients and methods This study included 20 vitiligo patients with at least 6 patches of stable vitiligo (120 patches), the patches were divided into six groups according to the treatment modality. Assessment of treatment response was done through patient satisfaction score and Vitiligo analysis by computer-assisted grid (VACAG). Results Regarding surface area reduction in included patients, fractional CO2 laser achieved the best results followed by triple combination therapy (CO2 with PRP and NB-UVB), the least response was with CO2 with PRP treatment. Patient satisfaction in the current study had a different outcome, PRP treated patients exhibited the highest satisfaction scores while triple combination treated group showed the least satisfaction scores.