Korean J Dermatol.
2024 Jul;62(6):327-335.
A Clinical Study on the Recurrence of Non-Segmental Vitiligo
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
Abstract
- Background
Vitiligo, which is characterized by depigmented patches on the skin, poses challenges in achieving lasting repigmentation after treatment. Identifying factors contributing to vitiligo recurrence is vital for effective management; however, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding post-treatment recurrence factors in patients with vitiligo.
Objective
We aimed to investigate the factors associated with recurrence in patients with non-segmental vitiligo.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patient’s medical records from 2000 to 2023, and defined a “cure group” with cosmetically satisfactorily repigmentation maintained for at least 6 months. This group was further divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and various factors related to treatment. Furthermore, we explored the cure and recurrence rates based on the location of vitiligo, and performed a survival analysis for recurrence with or without maintenance therapy.
Results
Of 70 cured patients, 19 relapsed. Maintenance treatment was the most significant factor affecting vitiligo recurrence (p＜0.0001, odds ratio=0.029). There were no statistically significant differences in initial age, sex, disease duration, sites, subtype, treatment duration, treatment modality, and comorbidities. After 100 months, 87.3% of the patients in the maintenance therapy group remained recurrence-free, while only 20% of the non-maintenance therapy group did not experience recurrence. Head and neck lesions had the highest cure rates, whereas lower limb lesions showed higher recurrence rates. Approximately 63.2% of recurrences occurred at the original site, while 31.6% occurred outside the original site.
Conclusion
The absence of maintenance therapy was the most important factor associated with the recurrence of nonsegmental vitiligo.
