Frequent association of vitiligo with autoimmune endocrine diseases: primary data of the Russian cohort of adult patients

Abstract

There is evidence in the literature about more frequent association of vitiligo with autoimmune endocrine diseases (AEDs) compared to general population. No full-fledged studies aimed at assessing the prevalence of AEDs in the Russian cohort of adult vitiligo patients have been conducted. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of AEDs in the cohort of Russian adult vitiligo patients. Patients with vitiligo monitored in two clinics, the Endocrinology Research Centre (Clinic 1; n = 39) and the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology (Clinic 2; n = 26), were enrolled. Along with clinical examination, screening laboratory tests were performed in all patients in order to reveal AEDs. The majority of patients (more than 95% of cases) had nonsegmental vitiligo. Among patients monitored in Clinic 1, AEDs were diagnosed in 85% of cases: isolated AEDs accounted for 39%, while multiple AEDs were found in 46% of cases. Autoimmune thyroid diseases were diagnosed in 69% of cases. Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency was found in 28% of patients, type 1 diabetes mellitus in 21%, hypoparathyroidism in 13%, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in 10%, endocrine ophthalmopathy in 10% of patients. Among patients monitored in Clinic 2, AEDs were diagnosed in four patients (15% of cases): three patients had primary hypothyroidism in the outcome of autoimmune thyroiditis, one patient had Graves' disease. Thus, the prevalence of AEDs in patients with vitiligo may vary between 15–85%. Vitiligo is most often associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases (15–69%). Vitiligo patients should undergo annual screening aimed at detection of autoimmune endocrine disorders, especially thyroid diseases.