Melanocytes transplantation in patients with vitiligo using needling micrografting technique.

BACKGROUND

Some cases of vitiligo require melanocyte transplantation, but these surgical techniques have varying degrees of success.

OBJECTIVES

To perform melanocytes transplantion in patients with vitiligo using a new needling micrografting technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This interventional case study took place at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from December 2010 to September 2011. Twelve patients with vitiligo were included. A split-thickness skin graft was taken from the normal area and cut into micropieces ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm in diameter. The recipient area was anesthetized, and the micrografts were then implanted into the dermis using the needling technique. The number of implanted micrografts depended on the size of the recipient area. Follow-up was conducted every 2 weeks for the first month and then every 4 weeks for a further 16 weeks.

RESULTS

The intake rate of grafting at week 2 ranged from 90% to 100%. The micrografts started producing noticeable pigmentation at week 2, and pigmentation was obvious at week 4. At week 8, the rate of pigmentation ranged from 10% to 90% (25.24%), and at week 16 it ranged from 10% to 100% (61.36%).

CONCLUSION

This new approach to the treatment of vitiligo delivers rapid and satisfactory pigmentation.