Long-term follow-up study of 142 patients with vitiligo vulgaris treated by autologous, non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation

Background Vitiligo vulgaris patients are difficult to treat surgically owing to large area involvement. Larger areas can be treated with the help of in vitro cultured melanocytes. These techniques are complex. In most of the studies published to date the number of patients reported is low and follow-up period short. Objective To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation in large number of vitiligo vulgaris patients. Methods A simpler and modified method based on that of Olsson and Juhlin has been used. It uses shave biopsy skin sample up to 1/10th the size of recipient area. Skin sample is incubated, cells mechanically separated using trypsin-EDTA solution, and then centrifuged to prepare a suspension. Cell suspension is then applied to a dermabraded de-pigmented skin area and collagen dressing given to keep it in place. Results One hundred and forty-two patients with vitiligo vulgaris were treated and observed for a period up to 6 years. Eighty (56%) patients showed excellent, 15 (11%) showed good, 13 (9%) showed fair and 34 (24%) showed poor repigmentation, which was retained till the end of the respective follow-up period.