Prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo: a multivariate comparative study in 375 patients

Abstract: Background: The onset of vitiligo during childhood is common. Limited data exist that compare the clinical associations of prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo in Arabs. Objective: To compare the clinical profile of pre and postpubertal onset vitiligo. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient. Results: A total of 375 patients were included; 199 had postpubertal vitiligo (>12 years), and 176 had prepubertal onset vitiligo (<12years). There were more females in the prepubertal group (49%) than in the postpubertal group (29%), p-value <0.001. The prepubertal group has had more involvement than the postpubertal group (45% vs 30%, p=0.004). Only 8 cases of segmental vitiligo were observed; five were observed in the prepubertal group of patients. Female gender (OR=2.3; 95% CI:1.5, 3.5), presence of halo nevus (OR=2.2; 95% CI:1.1, 4.4) and face involvement (OR=1.9; 95% CI:1.2, 2.9) were positively associated with prepubertal vitiligo. Stress, as an onset factor, was positively associated (OR=0.51; 95% CI:0.3, 0.8) with postpubertal onset vitiligo. Study limitations: A possible selection bias toward more severe vitiligo cases can be a limitation, because the study was conducted in a clinic specialized in vitiligo. Moreover, a likelihood of false recall bias cannot be excluded. Conclusions: Our data present clinical evidence that vitiligo behaves mostly the same way in the prepubertal group as in the postpubertal group. However, female over-representation, more face involvement and more halo nevi were observed in prepubertal vitiligo, while stress was more prevalent as an aggravating factor in postpubertal vitiligo patients.

The welcoming attitude of dermatologists towards complementary and alternative medicine despite their lack of knowledge and training.

Background/aim: Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly prevalent, there is very limited information on dermatologists' attitudes and knowledge about CAM. In this survey, we aimed to study the knowledge and attitude of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia towards CAM. Furthermore, we assessed dermatologists' intention to receive CAM education and training. Methods and design: We collected data through an online cross-sectional survey sent to email addresses of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. Questions included socio-demographic data, knowledge and attitudes towards CAM practice. Results: A total of 93 questionnaires were returned from dermatologists in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The mean age was 41.7 ± 10.3 (range, 25-63) years. A total of 67% of dermatologists had welcoming attitudes towards CAM. We did not find any significant relationship between age, gender, experience or any other factor and positive attitudes towards CAM. More than 70% of participants reported an interest in learning about CAM. However, only 9 (9.7%) dermatologists had attended CAM courses. Sixty-one participants (65.6%) were eager to receive CAM-specific education, and 66% of dermatologists acknowledged having previously discussed CAM with their patients. The most important reason that dermatologists did not discuss CAM with their patients was a lack of studies supporting CAM (66.7%) and the belief that doctors' knowledge on CAM is insufficient (58.1%). Conclusion: A greater number of dermatologists have an affirmative attitude towards CAM. The willingness to improve knowledge and training indicates that the CAM field could potentially grow in dermatology.

Evaluation of patch test reactivities in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is one of the mysteries of dermatology. An association between spontaneous CIU and contact allergy sensitization is possible. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that contact allergy might play a role in disease in CIU patients. Furthermore, we examined if patch testing should be routinely performed in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Ultimately, we concluded that patch testing should be included among the diagnostic procedures for CU.

Multivariate Analysis of Factors Associated with the Koebner Phenomenon in Vitiligo: An Observational Study of 381 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Koebner phenomenon (KP) is a common entity observed in dermatological disorders. The reported incidence of KP in vitiligo varies widely. Although the KP is frequently observed in patients with viltiligo, the associated factors with KP has not been established yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to estimate the prevalence of KP in vitiligo patients and to investigate the associated factors with KP among vitiligo characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 381 vitiligo patients. Demographic and clinical information was obtained via the completion of Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) questionnaires. Patients with positive history of KP were extracted from this vitiligo database. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess associations with KP. RESULTS: The median age of cases was 24 years (range, 0.6~76). In total, 237 of the patients were male (62.2%). Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common type observed (152/381, 39.9%). Seventy-two percent (274/381) patients did not exhibit KP, whereas 28.1% (107/381) of patients exhibited this condition. Multivariable analysis showed the following to be independent factors with KP in patients with vitiligo: the progressive disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.17~2.92; p=0.041), disease duration longer than 5 years (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.22~2.11; p=0.003), and body surface area more than 2% (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.26~3.24; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that KP may be used to evaluate disease activity and investigate different associations between the clinical profile and course of vitiligo. Further studies are needed to predict the relationship between KP and responsiveness to therapy.

Prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo: a multivariate comparative study in 375 patients.

BACKGROUND: The onset of vitiligo during childhood is common. Limited data exist that compare the clinical associations of prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo in Arabs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical profile of pre and postpubertal onset vitiligo. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient. RESULTS: A total of 375 patients were included; 199 had postpubertal vitiligo (>12 years), and 176 had prepubertal onset vitiligo (<12years). There were more females in the prepubertal group (49%) than in the postpubertal group (29%), p-value <0.001. The prepubertal group has had more involvement than the postpubertal group (45% vs 30%, p=0.004). Only 8 cases of segmental vitiligo were observed; five were observed in the prepubertal group of patients. Female gender (OR=2.3; 95% CI:1.5, 3.5), presence of halo nevus (OR=2.2; 95% CI:1.1, 4.4) and face involvement (OR=1.9; 95% CI:1.2, 2.9) were positively associated with prepubertal vitiligo. Stress, as an onset factor, was positively associated (OR=0.51; 95% CI:0.3, 0.8) with postpubertal onset vitiligo. STUDY LIMITATIONS: A possible selection bias toward more severe vitiligo cases can be a limitation, because the study was conducted in a clinic specialized in vitiligo. Moreover, a likelihood of false recall bias cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Our data present clinical evidence that vitiligo behaves mostly the same way in the prepubertal group as in the postpubertal group. However, female over-representation, more face involvement and more halo nevi were observed in prepubertal vitiligo, while stress was more prevalent as an aggravating factor in postpubertal vitiligo patients.

Screening of Glaucoma or Cataract Prevalence in Vitiligo Patients and Its Relationship With Periorbital Steroid Use.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is scarce literature connecting vitiligo and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Most literature reports that secondary complications are a direct consequence of corticosteroid treatment of vitiligo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of ocular problems in patients with vitiligo and to determine its association with periorbital topical corticosteroid use. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 90 patients with vitiligo. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient. A control group comprising 90 healthy individuals who did not have vitiligo and who were matched on age and gender was used for comparison. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed. A family history of glaucoma and the use of topical steroids were recorded. RESULTS: Two (2/90, 2.2%) of the patients with vitiligo had glaucoma compared with none of the individuals in the control group (P = .25). Nineteen of the 90 patients with vitiligo used periorbital steroids, and of these patients, 10.5% (2/19) developed glaucoma. The duration of periorbital corticosteroid use was 4.50 ± 2.1 years. Eighty-nine percent (17/19) of the vitiligo patients who applied the potent topical corticosteroid (class I) clobetasol propionate to the periorbital area did not develop glaucoma. In contrast, glaucoma was not observed in 79% (71/90) of the vitiligo patients who did not use steroids. Cataract, uveitis, or fundus problems were not observed in either group. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that patients who have vitiligo and use topical steroids periorbitally do not have an increased risk of glaucoma or cataracts. Future studies that have a larger sample size and use a detailed steroid use protocol are needed.

The Relationship Between the Serum Level of Vitamin D and Vitiligo: A Controlled Study on 300 Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with several autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo could be associated with low vitamin D levels. OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of serum vitamin D in vitiligo patients compared to controls and reveal the possible association of vitamin levels with the pathogenesis of vitiligo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-controlled study was conducted. After excluding factors that may affect serum vitamin D levels, blood samples were taken from vitiligo patients and controls. The association between vitamin D levels and various vitiligo subgroups (duration of vitiligo, site of onset, age, etc) was measured and correlated. RESULTS: A total of 150 vitiligo patients, 90 (60%) males with a mean age of 30.6 ± 11.4 years, were recruited. The study also had 150 age- and gender-matched vitiligo-free control subjects. There was no significant difference in median serum vitamin D levels between the cases and the controls (P = .25). The serum levels of vitamin D of the vitiligo patients were found to be lower in males (P = .01), the younger age group (P = .01), and patients not treated with ultraviolet (UV) treatment (P = .01). CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the vitamin D levels of the vitiligo patients and the control subjects. However, deficiency of 25(OH)D levels within the vitiligo subgroups may be linked to younger age, male gender, short duration of vitiligo, and non-use of phototherapy.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients: Results From a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained. RESULTS: Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6±12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM (P=.027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers (P=.002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.

Successful treatment of atrophic facial leishmaniasis scars by co2 fractional laser.

BACKGROUND: A permanent, unpleasant atrophic leishmaniasis scar is a potentially disfiguring condition that causes social stigma with limited treatment choices. Fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is expected to be a safe and effective treatment for leishmaniasis scars. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) with a CO2 laser for facial leishmaniasis atrophic scars. METHODS: Eleven patients (five males, age 18-47 years) underwent the fractional CO2 laser procedure. The mean duration for scars was 18.3 years. Three to five treatment sessions with the fractional laser eCO2 (10,600 nm, Lutronic Corporation, Gyeonggi-do, Korea ) were performed for each patient, at 2-month intervals, under topical anesthesia. Two passes (with tip type 120, density 150 spots/cm2 in static mode, and peak power of 30 watts) were performed on each leishmaniasis scar. Pulse energies ranged between 100 and 140 mJ. Posttreatment improvements in texture, atrophy, and overall satisfaction with appearance were graded on a quartile scale 1 month after the second session and 3 months after the final session. Scar improvement was graded using a 4-point score with a maximum score of 20. RESULTS: At the 3-month posttreatment follow-up, all subjects were rated as having at least 50% improvement in texture, atrophy, borders, and overall appearance of scars. The median score of improvement was 18 of 20 (range 11-19). Mild postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was the only adverse effect, observed in 18% (2 of 11) of subjects. After the procedure, moderate to severe erythema and edema typically resolved within 24 to 48 hours. No additional adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Fractional CO2 resurfacing represents a safe, effective, and well-tolerated potential treatment for atrophic facial leishmaniasis scars in ethnic skin.

Treatment of generalized vitiligo with anti-TNF-α Agents.

BACKGROUND: Although the exact pathogenesis of vitiligo is not fully understood, it appears to be an autoimmune disease. It is hypothesized that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) plays an important role in vitiligo. TNF-? can destroy melanocytes through the induction of various apoptotic pathways. In addition, TNF-? can inhibit melanocyte stem cell differentiation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating vitiligo patients with anti-TNF-? agents. METHODS: A total of 6 patients were recruited. All patients had widespread non-segmental vitiligo. Biologics, including infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, were given according to treatment regimens used for psoriasis. Photographs were taken at the initial visit, every two months during the therapy and then six months after therapy completion. RESULTS: All patients completed the treatment; two patients were treated with infliximab, two with etanercept, and two with adalimumab. All of the biologics were well tolerated throughout the treatment period, and none of the patients reported any significant adverse events. Digital images were compared before, during and after treatment. Repigmentation of the vitiliginous areas was not observed in any of the patients. Vitiligo worsened in one patient who was treated with infliximab and developed a psoriasiform rash. However, the remaining patients did not develop any new depigmented patches during treatment or at the six-month follow-up; vitiligo was considered stable in these five patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the anti-TNF-? agents were well tolerated in all six vitiligo patients, efficacy was not observed. Further evaluation with larger studies may be required.

Worsening of vitiligo and onset of new psoriasiform dermatitis following treatment with infliximab.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder caused by melanocyte destruction that possibly results from an autoimmune mechanism. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory dermatosis. Although tumor necrosis factor α antagonists (anti-TNF-α), such as infliximab, are effective in treating psoriasis, many cases reported in the literature indicate that psoriasis might also be induced by treatment with infliximab. Some studies also suggest that TNF-α antagonists might be an effective treatment for vitiligo because the disorder is characterized by increased levels of TNF-α, indicating that it might play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of psoriasiform dermatitis with vacuolar interface reaction that occurred after infliximab therapy in a patient with vitiligo. METHOD: A 17-year-old male patient with vitiligo vulgaris was treated with an intravenous infusion of 5 mg/kg of infliximab at 0, 2, and 6 weeks and then once every 6 weeks over a span of 6 months. The patient was monitored both clinically and with laboratory investigations. He had no personal or family history of psoriasis. He tolerated the treatment well, without side effects. However, he developed a biopsy-proven psoriasiform lesion for the first time 4 months after he completed his sixth dose of infliximab. His vitiligo also worsened. CONCLUSION: This case report shows that infliximab given for vitiligo did not improve the disorder and that the vitiligo actually progressed. Moreover, psoriasiform lesions developed after this therapy. Further studies are needed to identify the effects of infliximab in patients with vitiligo.