Autologous Suction Blister Grafting for the Treatment of Vitiligo

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are many therapeutic options for vitiligo such as phototherapy, steroids, transplantation of blister tops or minigrafts, and the application of cultured melanocytes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous suction blister grafting for the treatment of vitiligo. METHODS: Blisters were made by suction at 450 mm Hg from the buttock or upper thigh as donor sites. The epidermal sheet was then grafted to the recipient site. Two weeks after grafting, topical PUVA, or topical corticosteroid application were recommanded. RESULTS: The restoration of pigment including partial recovery was seen in 130 of 144 patients with vitiligo; grade 0 in 14 patinets(10%); grade 1 in 21(36%); grade 2 in 22(27%); grade 3 in 28(27%). In type B vitiligo, repigmentation was seen in 71 of the 74 patients; grade 0 in 3 patinets; grade 1 in 21; grade 2 in 22; grade 3 in 28. However, repigment in type A was seen in 58 of the 70 patients; grade 0 in 11 patients; grade 1 in 33; grade 2 in 16; grade 3 in 10. The repigmentation rate was related to age in both type A and B. The rate was higher in the "less than 31-year-old" group than in the "over 31-years-old" group. (p<0.01, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: The author experienced different repigmentation according to the types of vitiligo and patient age, that is,it was more effective in type B vitiligo than type A, and the younger the age of the patient, the better the results.