Suction blister grafting for vitiligo: efficacy and clinical predictive factors.

BACKGROUND

Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is a well-established treatment modality for vitiligo, but predictive factors for outcomes are not well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and predictive variables for response to SBEG in patients with vitiligo.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective single-center review of all cases treated with SBEG was performed. Repigmentation was assessed by 2 independent reviewers by assessing pigment spread of grafts during the postoperative period. Repigmentation rates were then compared with patient demographics and transplant location.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled in this study. The total number of grafts was 129, of which 86.8% (112/129) survived. Highest rate of graft survival was seen in patients younger than 20 years (100%) and the lowest in patients older than 40 years (75%-78%). Repigmentation was seen in 68% of patients. The highest degree of pigment spread was on the neck (283%) and face (231%), whereas the hands and feet had the least response (119%).

CONCLUSION

Blister grafting is successful in most patients with vitiligo, with a high graft survival rate; however, the degree of pigment spread is variable and depends on clinical characteristics of the patient and graft site.