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

Background: Leukotrichia has been considered a negative sign and a predictor of poor outcome in vitiligo patients. However, few studies in literature focused on leukotrichia going in depth in its significance. Our aim was to conduct a detailed clinical study providing insight into its relevance and associations in the context of vitiligo. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, vitiligo patients attending the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and Phototherapy Unit at Cairo University Hospital during a period of six months, April to September 2016, were the subjects of the study. Family history, clinical details, VGICC classification, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Vitiligo Area and Severity Index (VASI), Vitiligo Extent Score (VES), Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) Score and Vellus Score were implemented and measurements correlated to leukotrichia. Resutls: Leukotrichia is found in 48.6% of the study patients, in which vellus hair was involved in 78.8%, terminal hairs in 59.6% and both vellus and terminal in 38.5%. Vellus hair involvement was significantly higher in generalized bilateral symmetrical than multifocal symmetrical or acrofacial vitiligo. Incidence of scalp leukotrichia is higher in generalized symmetrical than acrofacial vitiligo. Vellus hair score shows significant association with VASI, VES and DLQI

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