Noncultured epidermal suspensions obtained from partial-thickness epidermal cuts and suction blister roofs for vitiligo treatment: A prospective comparative study.

Background: The treatment options for vitiligo are either nonsurgical, including medical treatments and phototherapy, or surgical, including autologous transplantation methods. Noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation is indicated for the treatment of stable vitiligo not responding to either medical treatment or phototherapy. Variable results have been reported for the various techniques used for the preparation of this suspension.

Aim: To compare the outcome between suction blister roof grafts and partial-thickness epidermal cuts for the preparation of noncultured epidermal suspensions for the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Patients And Methods: Forty patients with localized stable vitiligo lesions resistant to conventional therapy were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups for treatment with noncultured epidermal suspension grafting. The suspensions in groups I and II were obtained from suction blister roofs and partial-thickness epidermal cuts, respectively. Repigmentation grade, color match with the surrounding skin, and any side effects were compared between the groups.

Results: In group I, complete repigmentation was achieved in 6 cases while repigmentation was considered excellent in 8 cases; very good, 4 cases; and no response, 2 cases. In group II, complete repigmentation was achieved in 4 cases, and repigmentation was considered excellent in 16 cases. The color of the repigmented area matched the normal surrounding skin in 70% of the cases in group I and 40% of the cases in group II.

Conclusion: Both techniques yielded comparable repigmentation results with advantages and disadvantages of both techniques.