Use of platelet-rich plasma to suspend noncultured epidermal cell suspension improves repigmentation after autologous transplantation in stable vitiligo: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) is an effective surgical modality for stable vitiligo which involves transplantation of the basal layer of epidermal cells onto the dermabraded vitiliginous patch. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has growth factors which may stimulate melanocyte migration and proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The objective of this study was to compare the extent of repigmentation achieved by transplantation of NCES suspended in PRP with that of NCES suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

Methods: Twenty-one patients of stable vitiligo with at least two lesions of comparable size were included. The two vitiligo patches were randomized to receive NCES suspended in PRP or PBS. Postoperatively after 1 week, patients were given heliotherapy for 15 minutes daily.

Results: At 6 months follow-up, mean repigmentation by area method in PRP arm was 75.6 ± 30% SD and in non-PRP arm was 65 ± 34% SD (P = 0.0036). Patient satisfaction by visual analogue scale at 6 months also showed better results in PRP arm (P = 0.001). Assessment by three independent observers showed better repigmentation in PRP side both at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions: Suspending NCES in PRP can result in significantly greater mean repigmentation and patient satisfaction than suspending in PBS.