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A new model of epidermal culture for the surgical treatment of vitiligo
Author(s) -
Andreassi Lucio,
Pianigiani Elisa,
Andreassi Andrea,
Taddeucci Paolo,
Biagioli Maurizio
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-4362.1998.00411.x
Subject(s) - vitiligo , medicine , refractory (planetary science) , dermatology , achromatic lens , surgery , physics , astronomy , astrobiology
Background Vitiligo can be successfully treated with grafts of autologous cultured epidermal cells. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of autologous grafting of epidermal cells, cultured by an original method, in the treatment of localized vitiligo refractory to other therapies. Methods Autologous normally pigmented skin was used to culture keratinocytes and melanocytes on a supporting layer of biomaterial (Laserskin), which was grafted directly onto achromatic skin after de‐epithelialization with liquid carbon dioxide. The percentage area of repigmentation was calculated by image analysis. Results Initial repigmentation of the treated areas was observed 1 month after treatment. Repigmentation continued to increase for 3 months after grafting. Follow‐up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months showed almost complete repigmentation in six out of 11 cases. In four other patients, 40–71% of the grafted achromatic area was repigmented. In one patient, repigmentation was impeded by sepsis. Conclusions The method was found to be effective in the treatment of localized vitiligo refractory to other treatments. The therapeutic procedure was simple, reproducible, and easy to use.