Clinical features and treatment outcomes of vitiligo from the patients' perspective: results of a national survey in Germany

Background: Vitiligo causes substantial disease burden and patient needs still remain underestimated.

Objective: To assess the clinical features, treatment outcomes and satisfaction in patients with vitiligo.

Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional German postal survey was conducted. Clinical features and treatment outcomes of vitiligo (affected body surface, comorbidities, treatments applied, patient benefit index [PBI]) were evaluated using a standardized patient questionnaire.

Results: 1,023 patients (71.4% women, mean age 44.4 years) completed the questionnaire. The average onset of disease was at 24.1 years, and the mean disease duration was 20.3 years. The mean number of body sites affected was 6.9, and the mean affected body surface area was 14.9%. On average, 3.7 therapies had been applied previously, with a total PBI of 1.03 +/- 1.12. Only 38.7% experienced a PBI >1, which indicates a minimal patient benefit.

Conclusions: Most therapeutic options are considered to be of low patient benefit. There is a need for more beneficial treatments and improved care in patients with vitiligo.