Clinical repigmentation patterns in paediatric vitiligo

Abstract

Background

Repigmentation is an essential outcome measure in vitiligo. However, clinical studies describing vitiligo repigmentation patterns are lacking.

Objectives

To assess and clearly define the repigmentation patterns in a series of vitiligo patients, correlating these with clinico-epidemiological characteristics.

Methods

Patients with vitiligo seen at least at twice (initial consultation and follow-up visit) in the Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Hôpital Pellegrin des Enfants, Bordeaux University Hospital from 2006 to 2014, were included. Clinical photographs and case records were reviewed.

Results

There were 109 patients (64 females, 45 males) with mostly Fitzpatrick skin type III (n=67, 61%). The majority had non-segmental (n=71, 65%) or segmental vitiligo (n=29, 27%). A total of 172 representative vitiligo lesions were analysed. Overall, a combined pattern of repigmentation was most commonly seen (n=106, 62%). The combined pattern occurred more frequently in patients with segmental compared to non-segmental vitiligo (p=0.009); whereas, the diffuse pattern was more frequent in the latter (p=0.007). Diffuse repigmentation was the predominant pattern on the eyelids (p<0.001). We observed a new pattern in sites with few to absent hair follicles, which we propose to call “medium spotted repigmentation”. This begins as circular macules of repigmentation, wider than 5mm in diameter, which are from the outset, larger than the initial macules of perifollicular repigmentation. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size for subgroup assessment.

Conclusions

The combined pattern of repigmentation was most frequently observed. Medium spotted repigmentation is a new pattern, which will benefit from larger studies for better understanding.

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