Vitiligo and autoimmunity.

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterized by depigmented maculae resulting from a reduction of the number and function of melanocytes. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, but there is evidence that autoimmunity may be involved.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of antinuclear (ANA) and thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies in patients with vitiligo and control group.

Methods: In a prospective case-control study, we compared the frequency of antibodies (ANA and anti-TPO) in 40 patients with vitiligo and in 40 healthy volunteers.

Results: ANA were positive in 7 (17%) patients, which was insignificantly higher than control group, 2 (5%). Anti-TPO were positive in 11 (27%) patients. In control group, only two subjects (5%) had positive anti-TPO. Compared with the control group, the frequency anti-TPO were significantly higher in those with vitiligo (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings show a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmunity, and that tests to detect anti-TPO are useful markers in patients with vitiligo. In contrary, ANA seems to have limited diagnostic relevance in routine clinical practice. Additional studies of a wider sample are warranted to confirm these findings and allow a detailed analysis.