6 research outputs found
Determination of oxidative stress in vitiligo by measuring superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in vitiliginous and non-vitiliginous skin
Vitiligo: A part of a systemic autoimmune process
Background : Recent clinical and animal experimental studies postulate
that the pathogenetic mechanisms of vitiligo could be of systemic
origin as vitiligo is associated with ocular and auditory abnormalities
as well as other autoimmune disorders.Hence, we studied genetic
factors, systemic associations, ocular and auditory abnormalities of
vitiligo. Methods: The study group included 150 new cases of various
types of vitiligo. One hundred age- and sex-matched nonvitiligo cases
were included as controls in the study. A complete family history was
taken for all patients. Examination was carried out taking note of the
type of vitiligo and approximate percentage of body surface involved.
All relevant laboratory investigations, a thorough audiological
examination including pure tone audiometry and a complete
ophthalmologic examination were carried out in all patients and
controls. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test.
Results: Fifty-four vitiligo patients (36%) had a family history of
vitiligo. Anemia was present in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients but only in
five (5%) controls, a difference that was statistically significant
(χ 2 = 15.8, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24
(16%) vitiligo patients and only 2 (2%) of controls (Chi square,
χ2 = 12.4, P < 0.001). Hypothyroidism and alopecia areata were
present in 18 (12%) and 11 (7.4%) vitiligo patients respectively and
none of the controls. Hypoacusis was seen in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients
and two (2%) controls (χ2 = 8.19, P < 0.005). Twenty-four
vitiligo patients (16%) and five controls (5%) had specific ocular
abnormalities like uveitis, iris and retinal pigmentary abnormalities
(c2 = 7.39, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates
statistically significant clinical evidence confirming that vitiligo is
a part of systemic autoimmune process