Dermatol Ther. 2021 Dec 28:e15294. doi: 10.1111/dth.15294. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatment of vitiligo represents a highly therapeutic challenge in spite of the continuous development of new modalities. Combination therapies of vitiligo can help improve treatment response, and reduce recurrence potential.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of microneedling combined with 5-fluorouracil, pimecrolimus, and TCA in the treatment of localized, stable vitiligo.
METHODS: The study included 75 patients with non-segmental, stable vitiligo who were randomly assigned to three equal groups: group 1 received a combination of microneedling and 5-FU, group 2 received microneedling and pimecrolimus, and group 3 received microneedling and TCA. The procedure was done every 2 weeks for a maximum of 6 sessions.
RESULTS: Combined microneedling and TCA was associated with the highest degree of repigmentation followed by combined microneedling + 5-fluorouracil, and lastly combined microneedling + pimecrolimus. The difference between the three groups was statistically significant in favor of the combined microneedling and TCA. Pain, erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, infection, and scarring were variably reported adverse effects in the 3 groups.
CONCLUSION: Combination therapy seems to be a promising modality for the treatment of vitiligo. Combined microneedling and TCA is superior to combined microneedling with either 5-fluorouracil or pimecrolimus.
PMID:34964230 | DOI:10.1111/dth.15294
