Vitiligo and Associated Autoimmune Diseases in Zagazig University Hospitlas, Sharkia Governate, Egypt

Abstract

Although the pathogenesis of vitiligo is not yet fully understood, the autoimmune hypothesis is the most commonly accepted. The aim of this study was to study the frequency of autoimmune diseases in a group of Egyptian patients with vitiligo compared with control. This study involved 50 Egyptian patients with vitiligo and 50 healthy subjects as control group. Patients should be made aware of signs and symptoms that suggest the onset of thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or other autoimmune disease. If signs or symptoms occur, appropriate tests were performed. Screenings for thyroid disease were through evaluation of thyroid antibodies (anti-thyroidperoxidase, anti-thyroglobulin antibody), serum thyrotropin (TSH), free tri-iodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4). Screening for diabetes was done with fasting blood glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin testing. A complete blood count with indices helped rule out anemia. Antinuclear antibody screening was also done. Screening for celiac disease, IgA anti-glutaminase antibody was measured. The frequencies of autoimmune disorders were significantly elevated in vitiligo patients: vitiligo itself, autoimmune thyroid disease (particularly hypothyroidism), alopecia areata, pernicious anaemia, adult-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, psoriasis and probably inflammatory bowel disease. These associations indicate that vitiligo shares common genetic aetiologic links with these other autoimmune disorders.