This cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate serum CXCL-10, as an activity marker for vitiligo, and compare it with other putative serum and tissue markers. Serum CXCL-10 was compared to interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-17 using ELISA in 55 non-segmental vitiligo patients (30 active and 25 stable) and 30 healthy controls. Marginal skin biopsy was taken for immunohistochemical evaluation of CD8+T cells and CXCL-10+ve cells. Serum levels of CXCL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 were elevated in all vitiligo patients compared to controls (p < .05). All investigated serum markers were higher in active versus stable vitiligo. Tissue expression of CXCL-10+ve cells and CD8+ve T cells was stronger in vitiligo patients compared to controls, and tissue CXCL-10+ve cell expression was stronger in active versus stable cases. Positive correlations were noted between the different serum and tissue markers. CXCL-10 was the most specific, whereas IL-6 was the most sensitive serum marker to distinguish active from stable disease.
Background
NB‐UVB has long been the vitiligo management pillar with capability of achieving the main treatment outcomes; repigmentation and stabilization. Its stabilizing effect in dark skin has been debatable. However, randomized controlled trials regarding NB‐UVB ability to control disease activity are lacking.
Purpose
To assess stabilizing effect of NB‐UVB in comparison to systemic corticosteroids, the mainstay in vitiligo stabilization, in skin photo‐types (III‐V).
Methods
This is a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, prospective study. Eighty patients with active nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) (Vitiligo disease activity (VIDA) ≥2) were randomized to either NB‐UVB and placebo (NB‐placebo) or NB‐UVB and dexamethasone oral mini‐pulse (OMP) therapy (NB‐OMP) for 6 months. Sixty four patients completed the study, 34 in the NB‐OMP group and 30 in the NB‐placebo group. Patients were evaluated fortnightly according to presence or absence of symptoms/signs of activity.
Results
In spite of earlier control of disease activity observed in the NB‐OMP group, it was comparable in both groups by the end of the study period. Disease activity prior to therapy, but not extent, was found to influence control of activity in both groups. Thus, NB‐UVB is a safe sole therapeutic tool in vitiligo management. Not only does it efficiently achieve repigmentation, but also it is a comparable stabilizing tool for systemic corticosteroids in spite of slightly delayed control.
Conclusion
NB‐UVB is the only well‐established vitiligo therapy that can be used solely whenever corticosteroids are contraindicated or immune‐suppression is unjustified. Nonetheless, its combination with corticosteroids expedites response and improves compliance.
Purpose
The work aims to compare the effect of platelet-rich plasma versus fractional CO2
2
laser/radiofrequency versus both methods combined in treating striae distensae.
Patients & Methods
The study included ten female patients with striae alba with Fitzpatrick IV skin. Three sites of striae were chosen; one was treated with platelet-rich plasma, another with fractional CO
2
/radiofrequency (CO
2
/RF), and the third received both treatments. Every patient received three treatment sessions one month apart. Patients were photographed, and a skin biopsy was taken from each area before and one month after treatment.
Results
Assessment of the clinical photos showed that fractional CO
2
/radiofrequency gave a mild improvement in 22%, moderate improvement in 55.5% and marked improvement in 22.5%. Clinically, the combined treatment showed mild improvement in 44% of patients, moderate results in 33% and marked improvement in 23% of patients. The PRP as an only mode of treatment showed poor improvement in 22%, mild improvement in 23% and moderate improvement in 55% of patients. Biopsy results showed a decrease in collagen and elastin after treatment with the solitary methods, while the combined approach resulted in an increase in collagen and a reduction in elastin.
Conclusion
Fractional CO
2
laser/radiofrequency combined with PRP or either of them showed clinical improvement to variable degrees with superior results clinically and histologically with the combined method.
Surgical treatment of vitiligo lesions over the fingers has poor outcome. In this intrapatient comparative study, 12 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) affecting the middle three fingers of one hand were included. Three variations were used in treatment of finger vitiligo lesions: minipuch grafting, melanocytes keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP) preceded by cryoblebbing or full CO 2 laser resurfacing of the recipient site. Liquid nitrogen was used to create blebs in one
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