Computer-aided assessment of repigmentation rates in vitiligo patients: Implications for treatment efficacy - a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT

Precise evaluation of repigmentation in vitiligo patients is crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy and enhancing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to develop a computer-aided system for assessing repigmentation rates in vitiligo patients, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. A retrospective study was conducted at the Dermatology Department of Shenzhen People's Hospital between June 2019 and November 2022. Pre- and post-treatment images of vitiligo lesions under Wood's lamp were collected, involving 833 participants stratified by sex, age, and pigmentation patterns. Our results demonstrated that the 'marginal' pigmentation pattern exhibited a higher repigmentation rate of 72% compared to the 'central non-follicular' pattern at 45%. Males had a slightly higher average repigmentation rate of 0.37 in comparison to females at 0.33. Among age groups, individuals aged 0-20 years showed the highest average repigmentation rate at 0.41, while the oldest age group (61-80 years) displayed the lowest rate at 0.25. Analysis of multiple visits identified the 'marginal' pattern as the most prevalent (60%), with a mean repigmentation rate of 40%. This study introduced a computational system for evaluating vitiligo repigmentation rates, enhancing our comprehension of patient responses, ultimately contributing to enhanced clinical care.