A Study of Autologous Non-Cultured Epidermal Suspension (NCES) Transplant in Patients with Stable Vitiligo without the Use of NB-UVB.

Introduction

Vitiligo is a common form of localized depigmentation and an important public health problem which affects around one percent of the global population and about two percent of the population in India. The present study aimed to document the results and side effects of non-cultured melanocyte transplant in patients with stable vitiligo without post-procedure use of NB UVB.

Methods

The present study was a prospective interventional study conducted among patients with stable vitiligo who were attending the outpatient department (OPD) of dermatology of a tertiary center of Delhi. Patients with stable vitiligo aged >10 years who gave their consent for non-cultured epidermal suspension (NCES) were included in the study. Autologous skin graft of size 0.2 mm was taken from the donor site and a melanocyte cell suspension was prepared using standardized procedure, which was later transplanted to the recipient area. All patients were asked to come for follow-up at the OPD after seven days, 15 days, one month, followed by every month till six months post-transplantation, and repigmentation was assessed visually by both graph paper and photography. Data was analyzed using SPSS vs. 21.

Results

In our study, the majority of patients had vitiligo vulgaris (27 subjects with 47 patches). A total number of 59 patches were transplanted, of which 38 (64.4%) achieved excellent repigmentation, 28.8% good repigmentation, 3.4% fair repigmentation and 3.39% poor repigmentation. A total of 1302.5 cm² of the depigmented area was operated by NCES and the repigmentation of 874.5 cm2 (67.14%) was achieved by six months.

Conclusion

The present study found that the majority of patients (93%) with vitiligo achieved excellent or good repigmentation after NCES and the rate of complication was very low.