Autologous melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension in the treatment of vitiligo.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In stable vitiligo, several techniques of autologous transplantation of melanocytes are used. Autologous melanocyte transplantation of non-cultured melanocytes is one of those techniques with variable reported outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation in cases of stable vitiligo. METHODS: A total of 25 cases of vitiligo were treated by autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation. After 6-17 months, patients' response was evaluated according to the extent of pigmentation (excellent 90-100%, good 50-89%, fair 20-49% and poor response <20%). RESULTS: Of the 25 patients treated, 22 continued the follow-up period. Five (23%) patients showed excellent response, 7 (32%) good, 6 (27%) fair and 4(18%) showed poor response. CONCLUSION: Unlike transplantation of cultured melanocytes, which requires experience in culture technique, autologous melanocyte-keratinocytes suspension transplantation is an easy economic technique, which may be used in resistant areas of stable vitiligo.