Autoimmune disturbances and metabolic abnormalities observedin vitiligo, a disease of still unclear etiology, may provide evidence onthe systemic nature of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess functionaland morphological parameters of the liver and spleen, as well as thelipid profile in vitiligo-affected children, in order to ascertain whether anymetabolic abnormalities or structural changes in these organs accompaniedthe course of vitiligo. The study included 34 patients with vitiligo hospitalizedat the Department of Dermatology at the Medical University of Lublin and acontrol group of 35 healthy individuals, aged 7-15 years. Children with the activephase of vitiligo and at least 6 month history of vitiligo lesions were studied.Ultrasound examination of the liver and spleen enabled assessment of thesize and parenchyma of the organs. Liver and spleen functions were assessedby means of the following additional examinations: blood test, transaminases,protein electrophoresis, lipid profile, autoantibodies, and HCV antibodies. Thesize of the liver was not significantly different in the vitiligo and control groups.The ultrasonographic pictures of the spleen revealed no abnormalities in organsize and structure. The concentration of HDL-cholesterol was significantlylower, whereas the concentration of LDL-cholesterol was significantly higherin patients with vitiligo than in healthy controls. The value of the LDL/HDL ratiowas significantly higher in vitiligo patients. The results of our study indicatelipid disturbances in vitiligo-affected children. Since no structural and functionalabnormalities in the liver and spleen were found, it seems likely thatlipid disturbances in vitiligo may result from disturbed metabolic processes inthe adipose tissue as well as from oxidative stress
