Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of childhood vitiligo: a study of 701 patients from Brazil.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder that affects approximately 0.5-2% of the world's population, and 25% of cases begin before 10 years of age. Although prevalent, there are few studies on the characterization of childhood vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of childhood vitiligo.

METHODS

Transverse study conducted by reviewing data records of patients under the age of 18 in which disease onset occurred before 13 years of age.

RESULTS

Predominance of females (62%). The most common subtype was generalized vitiligo (53.8%). The average age of disease onset was 5.9 years. The most affected initial site was head/neck (44.22%). The Koebner phenomenon was present in 38.2%, emotional triggering factors in 67.0% of the patients, halo nevus in 17.4%, and associated autoimmune disease in 6.5% of the patients. Family history of vitiligo was observed in 16.9% of the patients, and stability was reported by 20.1% of patients. The presence of positive family history did not significantly influence the age of onset. We found a significant difference between segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) regarding the age of onset, Koebner phenomenon, hypothyroidism, anti-TPO antibodies, family history of psoriasis, and halo nevus.

CONCLUSION

Childhood vitiligo has its own characteristics. Vitiligo different subtypes have distinct characteristics. Our study presents a great number of patients, helping to elucidate the peculiarities of childhood vitiligo in the Brazilian population.