The effect of simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting on the treatment of refractory vitiligo.

Introduction: Vitiligo is a disease with a high prevalence and burden that has a negative impact on various aspects of life. Because most cases of vitiligo are not responsive to medical treatment, we performed simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting to treat refractory stable vitiligo.

Methods: This interventional study was carried out on 32 patients (16 females and 16 males). After local anesthesia at the donor site, we shaved the donor sites to harvest autologous melanocyte material. The harvested paste-like non-trypsinized material was spread over the abraded recipient area. Patient follow-up was performed to track the treatment outcome and possible complications.

Results: Out of 32 patients with 99 lesions, the generalized type accounted for 28 (87.5%) patients, and 46 (46.5%) lesions were seen in the upper extremity as the most common clinical type and site of involvement. Eighteen (18.2%) and 26 (26.3%) patches showed excellent and good re-pigmentation, respectively, and face areas showed significantly better re-pigmentation (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting is a safe, simple, office-based, and low-cost procedure with a modest re-pigmentation outcome in refractory stable vitiligo. Moreover, the face area had a satisfactory outcome with this procedure.