A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser + PRP vs. fractional CO2 laser alone in patients with vitiligo

Vitiligo is a multifactorial acquired disorder clinically characterized by amelanotic lesions on the skin, due to destruction of melanocytes. The course of vitiligo is unpredictable. Vitiligo causes significant psychological impact and cosmetic disfigurement. Treatment of vitiligo is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. A prospective comparative interventional study was carried out from October 2018 to March 2020. The study enrolled 60 stable vitiligo patients divided into groups A and B. Group A (30 patients) was treated with both fractional CO2 laser and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Group B (30 patients) was treated with fractional CO2 laser alone. A total of four sessions were conducted in each group at 1-month interval along with photographic assessment. Final assessment was done 1 month after the completion of four sessions. In group A, the median values of repigmentation and visual-analog score (VAS) were 3 and 7, and in group B, the median values of repigmentation and VAS were 1 and 2, respectively. Lesions over the trunk showed the best response followed by face and extremities lesions. Acral lesions showed the least response. A combination of fractional CO2 laser and PRP is superior to fractional CO2 laser alone in the treatment of stable vitiligo.