Effects of age of onset on disease characteristics in non‐segmental vitiligo

In patients with vitiligo, the clinical and laboratory features of the disease may vary according to time of onset. This is addressed in the literature by only a few studies with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical features of patients with non‐segmental vitiligo and to establish the association between vitiligo and autoimmune diseases with a focus on time of disease onset. A total of 224 vitiligo patients for whom complete medical records were available were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, scores on the Vitiligo Area Score Index (VASI), clinical features, vitiligo disease activity, repigmentation status, presence of any accompanying autoimmune disease, antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers, serum levels of glucose, thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) hormone, anti‐thyroid peroxidase (anti‐TPO), and anti‐thyroglobulin (anti‐TG) were recorded. The prevalence of halo nevi was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among children than in other patient groups. The prevalence of leukotrichia was higher in adults with adult‐onset disease than in either pediatric patients or adults with childhood‐onset disease (P = 0.002). Both anti‐TG and anti‐TPO levels were significantly higher in adults with adult‐onset disease than in pediatric patients and adult patients with childhood‐onset disease. The prevalence of autoimmune disease was 22.2%. Anti‐TG levels were significantly higher in patients with treatment‐related repigmentation than in those without repigmentation. This study shows that clinical features and associations with autoimmune disease may vary according to the age of onset of vitiligo.     

Relevance of autoimmune thyroiditis in children and adolescents with vitiligo

Background Vitiligo is the most common pigmentation‐related disorder worldwide. An autoimmune etiology is widely considered, and genetic factors may play an important role in its pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of thyroid dysfunctions and autoimmune thyroiditis in children with vitiligo and to identify related factors. Methods Fifty children with vitiligo and 50 control children were enrolled. Data on age, onset, duration, disease activity, presence of thyroid disorder, other autoimmune diseases, halo nevi, poliosis, and mucosal vitiligo were determined. Serum free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, total T3, total T4, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, and antibodies to thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin were measured. Thyroid gland efficiency was evaluated. Results The mean age at onset of vitiligo was 7.26 ± 4.43 years. The duration of vitiligo was 2.26 ± 2.95 years. Vulgaris‐type vitiligo was the most common form in our patients (56%), and 42% reported at least one family member with thyroid disorder, autoimmune disease, or both. Overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism were not detected. We found a significant association between autoimmune thyroiditis and both sex and disease duration (P = 0.046 and P = 0.07, respectively), but no association between autoimmune thyroiditis and age, age at onset of vitiligo, halo nevi, poliosis, mucosal involvement, disease activity, or family history of vitiligo, autoimmunity, or thyroid disorders. Conclusions Children with vitiligo show an increased incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis. Children with vitiligo, especially girls and subjects with generalized/vulgaris‐type vitiligo, should be screened annually for thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies to assist in the early diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune thyroiditis.     

An approach to the correlation between vitiligo and autoimmune thyroiditis in Chinese children

Background. Vitiligo is a common skin depigmenting disease, which is thought to have, at least partly, an autoimmune aetiology. Aim. To explore the correlation between paediatric vitiligo and other associated diseases, with an emphasis on autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). Methods. In total, 363 paediatric patients (198 boys, 165 girls) with vitiligo and 93 healthy children (55 boys, 38 girls) were screened for autoimmune thyroiditis. The two groups were matched for age and gender. Children with vitiligo were split into two groups according to type (segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo). Demographic data, clinical features and examinations were recorded using questionnaires. Thyroid function tests including free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone were performed. Anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibody) and anti‐thyroglobulin antibody levels were assessed as well. Other associated diseases were also monitored in this study. Results. Of the 363 patients, 43 (11.8%) had abnormal levels of studied thyroid parameters, compared with 4 of the 93 controls (4.3%); the difference was significant (P = 0.04). The alterations of thyroid parameters and the incidence of AT in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo were both significantly different (P < 0.05, P = 0.04) relative to the segmental vitiligo group. Of the 363 patients, 67 (18.5%) had other associated diseases. There were no differences in the rates of other associated diseases between patients with segmental vitiligo and those with nonsegmental vitiligo (P > 0.05). Conclusions. A significant incidence of thyroid dysfunction was found in paediatric patients with nonsegmental vitiligo. As vitiligo usually appears before the development of the thyroid disease, it may be advantageous to screen thyroid functions and antibody levels in all paediatric patients with vitiligo, especially those with nonsegmental vitiligo.     

Vitiligo patients from India (Mumbai) show differences in clinical,demographic and autoantibody profiles compared to patients in western countries

Background Vitiligo is a common, idiopathic skin disorder characterized by depigmented skin due to the loss of cutaneous melanocytes. Several studies have reported the clinical and demographic characteristics of Indian vitiligo patients, however, none has characterized their antibody profiles. Objective To establish the clinical, demographic and serological details of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India, and to evaluate the data for any associations between clinical presentations and the occurrence of antibody responses. Methods Vitiligo patients (n = 79) were recruited to the study and their clinical and demographic details recorded. Serum antibodies, including those against melanocyte‐specific antigens, thyroid antigens and keratinocytes, were evaluated. Results The prevalence of vitiligo was independent of sex, and non‐segmental vitiligo was the most common form of the disease occurring in 65% of the patients. Patients with segmental vitiligo (mean age = 14.4 ± 4.6 years) presented at a younger age than those with non‐segmental disease (mean age = 32.5 ± 17.8 years). Personal and family histories of other autoimmune diseases occurred in 3% and 8% of patients, respectively. Antibodies were detected against tyrosinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin and keratinocytes at frequencies of 11%, 22%, 18%, 24% and 27%, respectively. Overall, antibodies were more common in patients with non‐segmental vitiligo (50–67%) than in those with segmental disease (0–17%), and were detected more frequently in patients with shorter disease durations (<10 years). Conclusion Our study provides novel information relative to the clinical details, demographic features and serological parameters of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India. Important distinctions from similar surveys conducted in European patients were evident such as an infrequency of family history, a low prevalence of clinical autoimmune disease, and an absence of particular antibody specificities. These differences may have a bearing on the pathogenesis and course of the disease in Indian patients.     

Autoimmune thyroid disease in vitiligo: multivariate analysis indicates intricate pathomechanisms

Background Vitiligo/nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) is often associated with thyroid dysimmunity although very few reports have studied this association using multivariate logistic regression. Objective To identify weighted factors associated with the presence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in a large cohort of patients with vitiligo/NSV. Methods This was a prospective observational study in 626 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of vitiligo/NSV attending the vitiligo clinic of the University Hospital Department of Dermatology, Bordeaux, France, from 1 January 2006 to 1 May 2012. The Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) questionnaire was completed for each consecutive patient. AITD was defined as the presence of significant levels of serum antithyroperoxidase antibodies or evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression procedures were conducted to identify factors associated with AITD in this cohort of patients with vitiligo/NSV. Results A total of 626 patients with vitiligo/NSV were included, of whom 131 had AITD (AITD‐vitiligo). Stress as an onset factor, familial history of AITD, body surface involvement and duration of the disease were positively associated with AITD‐vitiligo using univariate analysis, whereas female sex, age at onset of vitiligo, personal history of autoimmune disease and localization on the trunk were found to be independently associated with AITD‐vitiligo. Conclusion Vitiligo associated with AITD has clinical features distinct from vitiligo without AITD. In particular, female patients, and patients with longer duration of disease and greater body surface involvement are more likely to present with AITD and should thus be monitored for thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies on a regular basis.     

Pre- vs. post-pubertal onset of vitiligo: multivariate analysis indicates atopic diathesis association in pre-pubertal onset vitiligo

Background Limited epidemiological data exist that compare clinical features of pre‐ and post‐pubertal nonsegmental vitiligo. Objectives To compare factors associated with pre‐ and post‐pubertal onset vitiligo. Patients and methods A prospective observational study was conducted of patients with vitiligo attending the clinic between 1 January 2006 and 1 July 2011. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient and thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were screened. Other forms of vitiligo (segmental, focal, mucosal, not classifiable) were excluded. Results A total of 679 patients were included; 422 had post‐pubertal and 257 pre‐pubertal onset of vitiligo. Vitiligo universalis was seen only in post‐pubertal onset. In univariate analysis, there was no significant statistical difference for sex, Koebner phenomenon or disease activity between both groups; thyroid disease or presence of thyroid antibodies was more frequent in post‐pubertal onset [odds ratio (OR) 0·31, P < 0·003] whereas atopic dermatitis was more often associated with or preceding pre‐pubertal onset (OR 2·42, P = 0·006). In multivariate analysis, halo naevi, family history of vitiligo, premature hair greying, atopic dermatitis and previous episode of spontaneous repigmentation were independently associated with pre‐pubertal onset. In contrast, stress as onset factor, personal history of thyroid disease and acrofacial type were associated with post‐pubertal onset. Conclusions Pre‐pubertal onset vitiligo is strongly associated with personal and family history of atopy, suggesting that the predisposing immune background in vitiligo is not limited to autoimmunity, as also noted in alopecia areata. This study also suggests reconsidering the epidemiological data on sex ratio in vitiligo.     

Low yield of routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with vitiligo

Background Nonsegmental vitiligo is considered to be an autoimmune disease and is known to be associated with other autoimmune diseases, particularly affecting the thyroid. Screening patients with nonsegmental vitiligo for thyroid function and for the presence of thyroid autoantibodies has been recommended. Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid peroxidase‐specific (TPO) antibodies in a large cohort of patients with nonsegmental vitiligo in order to help decide whether routine screening is justified. Methods A total of 434 adults with nonsegmental vitiligo who were referred to our institute were enrolled. Thyroid function and anti‐TPO antibody titres were assessed in those patients who had no history of thyroid disease or recent thyroid screening. Results Forty‐three patients had already been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, and in 27 patients the general practitioner had performed a thyroid function test with negative results < 3 months previously. In these patients, thyroid function assessment was not repeated. The remaining 364 patients were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Overt hypothyroidism was newly diagnosed in three (0·8%) patients; subclinical disease was found in 10 (2·7%) patients and increased levels of TPO antibodies, without thyroid disease, were found in 49 (13·5%) patients. An elevated risk for thyroid disease was found among older women and in women with a positive family history of thyroid disease. Conclusion The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in adult patients with nonsegmental vitiligo was higher than reported in the general population. However, the number of newly diagnosed cases with overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction in our population was low. Most patients had already been diagnosed by their general practitioner and had symptoms indicative for thyroid disease. Thyroid disease was found predominantly among older women and in subjects with a positive family history of thyroid disease. Thyroid screening including anti‐TPO antibodies is advisable in these high‐risk subpopulations.     

Role of oxidative stress and autoimmunity in onset and progression of vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. Two major theories of vitiligo pathogenesis include autoimmunity and oxidative stress‐mediated toxicity in melanocytes. The present study aimed to evaluate both the hypotheses in vitiligo patients and to investigate their role in the disease onset and progression. Antimelanocyte antibody levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were evaluated in 427 patients and 440 controls; antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were estimated in 102 patients and 72 controls. Patients showed a significant increase in LPO and antimelanocyte antibody levels compared to controls. Antimelanocyte antibody and LPO levels were higher in active vitiligo compared to stable. Only 9.8% of patients showed the presence of anti‐TPO antibodies in their circulation. Oxidative stress may be the initial triggering event to precipitate vitiligo in Gujarat population, which is exacerbated by contributing autoimmune factors together with oxidative stress.     

Epidemiology of vitiligo,associated autoimmune diseases and audiological abnormalities: Ankara study of 80 patients in Turkey

Background Recent clinical studies suggest that the pathogenetic mechanisms of vitiligo could be of systemic origin as vitiligo is associated with auditory abnormalities as well as other autoimmune disorders. Objectives To investigate clinical, genetic characteristics and laboratory findings of vitiligo as well as auditory abnormalities and the association of the disease with the other autoimmune disorders. Materials and methods From January to December 2008, we collected‐data from 80 vitiligo patients to establish the clinical and epidemiological profile of vitiligo in Turkey. Results Thirty patients were men and 50 were women, with a mean age of 37 years and a mean onset age of 10 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common type, followed by focal, acrofacial, segmental and universal types. Forty‐four (55%) patients had an associated autoimmune disease. These associated diseases were Hashimoto thyroiditis in 25, alopecia areata in 10, pernicious anaemia in seven and diabetes mellitus in two patients. Statistically significant changes in human leukocyte antigen in patients with vitiligo were HLA A24,‐30, B63, CW6, DR15, DR51, DQ5,‐6. Auditory problems were observed in 37.7% patients. Nine of the 20 patients showed unilateral minimal hearing loss (>30 dB), while the other 11 demonstrated bilateral hearing loss (>30 dB) over a large range of frequencies (2000–8000 Hz). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that vitiligo is a part of systemic autoimmune process. Audiological examination should be performed in all patients for auditory problems which are commonly presented as hypoacusis.     

Quality of life of patients with vitiligo attending the Regional Dermatology Training Center in Northern Tanzania

Background Vitiligo is an acquired, predominantly asymptomatic, depigmenting disorder with profound psychological effects. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study conducted at the Regional Dermatology Training Center in Moshi, Tanzania. All 88 patients with vitiligo older than 15 years of age who attended the skin clinic from October 2009 to April 2010 were recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire (DLQI), and Vitiligo European Task Force form. Results Vitiligo moderately affects patient’s quality of life, as indicated by a DLQI mean score of 7.2 ± 4.8. The mean age was 41 years with a male/female ratio of 1:1.7. The mean age of disease onset was 33.5 years (range 16–83 years); vitiligo vulgaris was the most common disease form seen (n = 49). None of the factors considered were found to be significantly associated with impaired quality of life on multivariate analysis. The majority of patients (73.8%) perceived that their disease was moderate to severe in contrast to the clinical grading in which only 49.2% patients were classified as having mild disease. This difference in classification of disease severity was statistically significant (Fishers exact test = 0.001). Conclusion Patients with vitiligo of African descent have a moderate impairment of quality of life.     

Epidemiology of childhood vitiligo: a study of 625 patients from north India

To study the clinical and epidemiologic profile of childhood vitiligo, we retrospectively analyzed the data of children with vitiligo attending the pigmentary clinic of our center. Of the 625 children seen over 10 years, 357 (57.1%) were girls and 268 (42.9%) were boys. As compared to adult patients with vitiligo, this sex difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean age of onset of the disease was 6.2 years. Vitiligo vulgaris (generalized vitiligo) was the most common type, followed by focal, segmental, acrofacial, mucosal, and universal, in that order. The most frequent site of onset was the head and neck, followed by the lower limbs, trunk, upper limbs, and mucosae. Leukotrichia was present in 77 patients (12.3%), while Koebner phenomenon was observed in 71 patients (11.3%). Halo nevi were observed in 29 patients (4.4%). Seventy-six patients (12.2%) had a family history of vitiligo. Eight patients (1.3%) had an associated autoimmune disease. These associated disorders were alopecia areata in two patients, and diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, Addison disease, polyglandular syndrome, and pemphigus vulgaris in one patient each.     

Differences between familial and sporadic cases of vitiligo

Background Most cases of vitiligo are sporadic, but about 10–36% of the patients have positive family history. Objective The aim of our study was to describe differences between familial and sporadic cases of vitiligo. Methods A total of 186 adult vitiligo patients were examined, in 173 of whom the level of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, gastric parietal cell antibodies (PCA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐adrenal cortex antibodies and rheumatoid factor in blood was measured. All patients were divided in two groups: the cases with positive family history of vitiligo (51) and the sporadic cases (135). Results The risk of onset of the disease up to 20 years of age was higher in the familial group (P = 0.008). Patients in familial group showed more widespread depigmentation compared with sporadic cases [body surface area (BSA) over 10%: P = 0.004; BSA over 50%: P = 0.001]. In familial group, patients had darker skin phototype (P = 0.045) and the disease had started more often as a vulgar vitiligo (P = 0.008). In sporadic vitiligo group, female gender was a risk factor for more widespread depigmentation (BSA over 10%, P = 0.001). Extensive depigmentation was associated with reported triggering factors and mucosal involvement in both groups and with leukotrichia only in familial group. Widespread depigmentation related to the risk of presence of autoantibodies (P = 0.03) in sporadic cases of vitiligo (especially of PCA: P = 0.04 and ANA: P = 0.0002). Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated first time that patients with familial vitiligo have a higher risk for vulgar type at the beginning of the disease and female gender increases the risk for more extensive depigmentation in sporadic cases.     

Vitiligo: clinical findings in 1436 patients.

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and epidemiological profiles of patients with vitiligo attending the pigmentary dermatoses clinic. One thousand four hundred and thirty-six patients were seen between 1989 and 1993. Males constituted 54.5% of the group and females 45.5%. Mean age of the patients was 25 years, and average disease duration at the time of hospital visit was 3.7 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the commonest form of the disease in 1002 (69.8%) patients followed by focal vitiligo in 214 (14.9%) and segmental vitiligo in 72 (5.0%). The sites of onset were the face, trunk, and legs in descending order of frequency. Less than 20% body area involvement was seen in 1356 (94.4%) of the patients. Leukotrichia was present in 165 (11.5%), and Koebner's phenomenon was observed in 72 (5.0%). Twenty nine (2.0%) patients had associated halo nevi. Of the various diseases associated with vitiligo, atopic/nummular eczema was seen in 20 (1.4%) patients, bronchial asthma in 10 (0.7%), diabetes mellitus in 8 (0.6%), thyroid disease in 7 (0.5%), and alopecia in 6 (0.4%). A family history of vitiligo was present in 165 (11.5%) patients.     

Vitiligo and autoantibodies: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Many studies have reported the prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with vitiligo; however, results were inconsistent for some autoantibodies. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of autoantibodies in vitiligo patients. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature published from inception to Dec 31, 2016 was conducted. Case‐control studies with vitiligo patients and a control group were included. The prevalence of anti‐thyroperoxidase (ATPO) antibodies, anti‐thyroglobulin (ATG) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐gastric parietal cell antibodies (AGPCA), anti‐smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and anti‐adrenal antibodies in vitiligo patients were 15.1 %, 9.7 %, 12.5 %, 11.7 %, 12.6 %, 0.2 %, and 2.5 %, respectively. The prevalence of ATPO antibodies (odds ratio [OR]: 3.975; 95 %; confidence interval [CI]: 3.085–5.122), ATG antibodies (OR: 3.759; 95 % CI: 2.554–5.531), ANA (OR: 1.797, 95 % CI: 1.182–2.731), AGPCA (OR: 2.503; 95 % CI: 1.497–2.896), and anti‐adrenal antibodies (OR: 9.808, 95 % CI: 1.809–53.159) (Figure 2a–e) were significantly higher in vitiligo patients than in the control group. The routine screening of anti‐thyroid antibodies should be performed in vitiligo patients to identify those at high risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease.     

THYROID DYSFUNCTION AND THYROID ANTIBODIES IN IRANIAN PATIENTS WITH VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder, and the pathogenesis is unknown. An increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases has been described in these patients. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and hypoparathyroidism in patients with vitiligo.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and nine patients (38 males and 71 females with vitiligo were enrolled. Thyroid physical examination was carried out. Thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies, calcium and phosphorus were assessed. The collected data were analysed by SPSS version 11.

Results:

Thyromegaly was found in 30.1% of patients. Hypothyroidism was found in 16 (15.7%) out of 109 cases. Two of them had clinical and 14 had subclinical hypothyroidism. One patient had Grave''s disease. Antibody positivity was the most common disorder (anti-TPO and anti-tg were positive in 36.7 and 32.1%, respectively). No patient had hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusion:

According to our study, thyroid dysfunction, particulary hypothyroidism and thyroid antibodies increase in patients with vitiligo. We recommend thyroid antibodies assessment and thyroid function evaluation in these patients.     

Quality of Life Impairment in Children and Adolescents with Vitiligo

Vitiligo significantly affects quality of life (QOL) in adults, but little is known about the effect on QOL of pediatric vitiligo and whether the extent, distribution, and duration of vitiligo are associated with QOL. We performed an online parental questionnaire‐based study (N = 350) regarding children ages 0 to 17 years with vitiligo, including validated questions about body surface area (BSA), distribution, and age of onset of vitiligo, associated symptoms, and QOL using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Vitiligo negatively affected numerous aspects of and total CDLQI score (median 3.0, interquartile range 5.0). Their vitiligo lesions did not bother only 4.1% of teenagers ages 15 to 17 years, versus 45.6% of children ages 0 to 6 years and 50.0% of those ages 7 to 14 years (p < 0.001). There was no association between the child's age and whether the child's vitiligo bothered the parents (p = 0.27). The most bothersome sites of vitiligo lesions for children and parents were the face (25.6% and 37.4%, respectively) and legs (26.2% and 26.2%, respectively). Eighty‐two patients (30.1%) reported itching and painful skin within the past week. Using multivariate ordinal logistic regression models, it was found that an affected BSA of more than 25% was associated with self‐consciousness, difficulty with friendships and schoolwork, and teasing and bullying. Lesions on the face and arms were associated with teasing and bullying. The extent of vitiligo is associated with QOL impairment in children and adolescents, especially self‐consciousness, but also bullying and teasing. Different distributions of vitiligo lesions are associated with different aspects of QOL impairment. Teenagers ages 15 to 17 years seem to experience the most self‐consciousness of all pediatric age groups.     

Profile of vitiligo patients attending a training and research hospital in Central Anatolia: a retrospective study

Clinical characteristics of vitiligo had been reported in different countries previously. This is the second report from Turkey and it is from a different region of Turkey, middle Anatolia, and a more detailed study. The age and sex of patients, onset age, duration, areas of involvement, course, clinical types and severity of the disease, family history of vitiligo, associated disorders, the values of vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, iron and hemoglobin, antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies and positivity of viral markers were obtained from the records of the patients retrospectively. The study involved 93 vitiligo patients with a mean age of 37.4±17.05 years. The median age of onset disease was 33 years and onset age of disease was significantly lower in women. Of the patients, 24.8% had family history. The most frequent form of vitiligo was vitiligo vulgaris. Facial involvement was the most common localization. Trunk involvement was significantly higher in women but anogenital involvement was significantly higher in men. Of the patients, 40.3% had another autoimmune disease, 19.7% of the patients had low ferritin levels, 12% had low iron levels, 9.9% had anemia, 4.9% had low vitamin B12 levels, 3.8% had low folic acid levels and 4.3% had positivity of viral markers. The age of onset and the incidence of family history were higher and sites of involvement according to sex were different from the published work. The knowledge of clinical characteristics, course and associated conditions of vitiligo may improve the approach of dermatologists to vitiligo patients.     

Profile of Vitiligo in Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand,India

Background:

Vitiligo is a common, acquired, pigmentary disorder characterized by loss of melanocytes resulting in white spots. This disease carries a lot of social stigma in India.

Objective:

To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of vitiligo patients in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state in India.

Materials and Methods:

The clinical presentation of vitiligo was examined and analyzed in 762 vitiligo patients attending the Dermatology outdoor of Government Medical College, Haldwani, which is a referral centre for Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state in India.

Results:

Male and female patients were found to be affected almost equally. It was observed that onset of vitiligo was most common in 0-10 years age group, as evidenced by 336 cases out of 762 cases. Acrofacial type of vitiligo (339 cases out of 762) was most commonly observed, followed by vitiligo vulgaris, focal, segmental, mucosal, mixed, and universal vitiligo. The most common site of onset was the lower limbs followed by head and neck, upper limbs, trunk, genitalia, and mucasae. Leucotrichia was observed in 33.5%, Koebner''s phenomenon in 26.3%, and a positive family history in 19% of the vitiligo patients. The other common conditions associated were thyroid disorders (8.9%), diabetes (5.3%), and atopic dermatitis (4.9%).

Conclusion:

The study indicates that acrofacial vitiligo is the most common clinical type observed in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand in India. Onset of vitiligo is most common in first decade of life.