Failure of non-cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation in periungual vitiligo: A case report

Background

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary skin disorder, affecting 0.5–1% of world population. It is one of the psychologically devastating skin disorders, which have different medical and surgical modalities of treatment.

Objective

To report the failure of non-cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation in periungual vitiligo.

Method

The method used was introduced by Gauthier and Surleve-Bazeille, modified by Olsson and Juhlin, and recently by Mulekar. A shaved biopsy skin sample of approximately one-fifth the size of the recipient area was used. Skin sample is incubated; cells mechanically separated using trypsin-EDTA solution, and then centrifuged to prepare a suspension. The suspension is then applied to dermabraded depigmented skin area and collagen dressing was used to keep it in place.

Results

Treated lesions on the right hand of female with stable periungual vitiligo showed very poor repigmentation (less than 10%) with only very small new brown spots.

Conclusion

Acral vitiligo is one of the difficult-to-treat areas, and further studies are required to explain the variable outcomes of non-cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation treatment of clinically stable acral vitiligo patients.