Outcomes of autologous non-cultured melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation in vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus

Abstract

Background Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP) is an effective surgical technique for restoring skin pigmentation in all types of vitiligo and leukoderma patients who are unresponsive to medical and/or phototherapy treatment. Data specific to the outcomes of MKTP among Thai vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus patients are currently scarce. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MKTP in patients with vitiligo or nevus depigmentosus at the short-term (≤6 months) and long-term (≥12 months) follow-up. Materials and methods A retrospective review of the medical records of vitiligo or nevus depigmentosus patients who underwent MKTP at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during 2016 to 2019 was conducted. Repigmentation outcomes were evaluated by Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI). Results Twenty-five patients had 27 MKTP surgeries on 32 anatomically-based lesions. The mean age was 32.4 years, the mean age at onset was 25.5 years, and 19 patients were male. Segmental vitiligo, non-segmental vitiligo, and nevus depigmentosus had significantly improved VASI scores at the short-term follow-up (−74.2% ± 23.2%, −100%, and −62.5% ± 17.6%, respectively) and the long-term follow-up (−81% ± 27.7%, −95.0% ± 7.0%, and −83.3% ± 14.4%, respectively). Conclusion MKTP is a safe and effective method for treating refractory vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus in Thai patients.