Clinical and immunological studies in vitiligo in the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical and immunological changes encountered in patients with vitiligo in Al-Ain population, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

DESIGN

This is a prospective descriptive hospital-based study.

SETTING

Al-Ain Medical District, Al-Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates.

SUBJECTS

Patients who were seen at Al-Ain hospital for skin diseases during 1996.

RESULTS

The study was based on 65 patients. The sample consisted 32 (49%) males and 33 (51%) females. The mean and standard deviation of age for males were 38.6 +/- 13.5 years and for females were 35.1 +/- 15.9 years. Most of the patients were UAE, Omani and Pakistani nationals. Positive family history of vitiligo was found in 19% of the patients. Association with other immune diseases was found in 6% of the patients while one or more organ specific antibodies, all of whom were females, most of them had positive history of autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

Vitiligo is more common among UAE nationals since the UAE community including a multi-national society.