Vitiligo and autoimmunity.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterized by depigmented maculae resulting from a reduction of the number and function of melanocytes. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, but there is evidence that autoimmunity may be involved.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of antinuclear (ANA) and thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies in patients with vitiligo and control group.

METHODS

In a prospective case-control study, we compared the frequency of antibodies (ANA and anti-TPO) in 40 patients with vitiligo and in 40 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

ANA were positive in 7 (17%) patients, which was insignificantly higher than control group, 2 (5%). Anti-TPO were positive in 11 (27%) patients. In control group, only two subjects (5%) had positive anti-TPO. Compared with the control group, the frequency anti-TPO were significantly higher in those with vitiligo (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings show a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmunity, and that tests to detect anti-TPO are useful markers in patients with vitiligo. In contrary, ANA seems to have limited diagnostic relevance in routine clinical practice. Additional studies of a wider sample are warranted to confirm these findings and allow a detailed analysis.