Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Treatment of stable vitiligo is still a challenge. Autologous Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a safe and rich medium of growth factors and cytokines with the potential of enhancing melanocyte proliferation and migration, thus assumed to offer additional therapeutic option for vitiligo patients. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of PRP as a monotherapy and as an adjuvant to the standard therapy which is NB-UVB phototherapy, in the treatment of stable vitiligo. Patients and methods: 30 patients with generalized bilateral non segmental stable vitiligo were enrolled. In each patient, three vitiligo patches were randomly assigned to treatment by NB-UVB alone [group A], PRP alone [group B] or by combination of NB-UVB and PRP [group C]. The duration of the study was 12 weeks. The time at which initial repigmentation occurred was determined for each group, and clinical assessment of response was done at the middle and end of the study by blinded investigator. Results: The combined group [C] showed significantly better initial, mid and final responses (P = 0.001) than the other 2 groups, followed by the NB-UVB [A] group, while the PRP group [B] was the latest. As for other modalities, the location of vitiligo markedly influences the response. Conclusion: Autologous PRP is a potentially effective therapy for stable vitiligo, with a promising enhancing effect of NB-UVB phototherapy

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