Autologous Cultured Tissue Engineering Epidermal Sheet Transplantation to Treat Vitiligo of the Hands

Dermatol Surg. 2024 Dec 1;50(12):1114-1119. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004317. Epub 2024 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background: Despite numerous therapeutic modalities for vitiligo, their efficacy varies. Managing vitiligo affecting the hands poses a particularly intricate challenge, with outcomes trailing those in other anatomical regions.

Objective: Assess the determinants influencing the efficacy and safety of autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation in treating hand vitiligo, observed over a 6-month follow-up period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 patients who underwent treatment for hand vitiligo using autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation. Repigmentation extent was evaluated by 2 dermatologists.

Results: The cohort comprised 33 patients, including 24 males and 9 females, with an average age of 26.91 ± 9.24 years (range: 10-49 years). The mean duration of the disease was 11.61 ± 7.83 years (range: 1.5-34 years). Vitiligo lesion stability ranged from 6 months to 4 years, with an average duration of stability calculated at 1.715 ± 1 year. After 6 months, 75.8% (25/33) of patients exhibited a favorable response, with 39.4% (13/33) showing complete or near-complete repigmentation. No adverse events, such as infections or scar formation, were recorded.

Conclusion: The authors' investigation suggests that autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation is a highly effective and safe therapeutic approach for hand vitiligo, offering a promising treatment avenue.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Epidermis / transplantation
  • Female
  • Hand Dermatoses / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitiligo* / surgery
  • Vitiligo* / therapy
  • Young Adult