Repigmentation in vitiligo vulgaris by autologous minigrafting: results in nineteen patients.

Abstract

Minigrafting is a successful therapy for localized vitiligo but has never been reported for vitiligo vulgaris. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of minigrafting in vitiligo vulgaris. In 59 patients with stable vitiligo vulgaris, a minigraft test was done by implanting two minigrafts in the lesion to be grafted. Patients were selected for grafting when spread of pigment was observed within 3 months. The rate of repigmentation was evaluated by digital image analysis. Twenty-three patients (36 lesions), of 24 with a positive minigraft test, were grafted. The results of 19 patients were analyzed, showing 80% to 99% repigmentation in 14 lesions, 50% to 80% repigmentation in 10 lesions, and zero to 50% repigmentation in 12 lesions. Time of observation varied from 3 to 12 months after grafting. Best results were observed after 9 to 12 months. In all patients with a positive Koebner phenomenon depigmentation of the minigrafts developed. Autologous minigrafting is an effective therapy for stable vitiligo vulgaris in a selected group of patients.