Non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo: a clinical trial in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Non-cultured cellular grafting as a surgical procedure is indicated to treat stable vitiligo, refractory to medical treatment, and is gaining wider acceptance among dermatologists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKT) for the treatment of generalized vitiligo in Iranian patients.

METHODS: In this clinical trial, a total of 14 vitiligo patches in eight patients were treated; eight patches with non-cultured MKT and six patches dermabraded alone without application of keratinocyte-melanocyte suspension. Repigmentation was compared at about 4 months post-transplantation.

RESULTS: Of the eight lesions treated with non-cultured MKT, four lesions showed 96-100% repigmentation, one lesion 65-95% and three lesions 0-25%. Of the patients who showed excellent results, only one showed a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in recipient and control areas. Of the six control lesions, five showed failed repigmentation and one showed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

CONCLUSION: Non-cultured MKT is an effective method to treat stable vitiligo. Studies on larger series of vitiligo patients are required to confirm its efficacy.