Single arm unicentric study to evaluate the efficacy of autologous noncultured nontrypsinized epidermal cell grafting (Jodhpur technique) in stable acral vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Autologous noncultured, nontrypsinized melanocyte–keratinocyte grafting (Jodhpur technique [JT]) is an unconventional innovative surgical modality for the treatment of stable vitiligo. Acral vitiligo is considered an area that is difficult to treat with variable results in different studies. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of JT in stable acral vitiligo. Methods: This was an open, nonrandomized, and single-arm study. Ninety patches of stable acral vitiligo were included in this study. JT was performed over these patches. The total duration of the study was 48 weeks. The degree of repigmentation was graded into poor (<50% repigmentation), fair (50%–74% repigmentation), good (75%–89% repigmentation), and excellent (90%–100% repigmentation). Results: Out of 90 patches, 81 responded to the surgery. The extent of repigmentation was good to excellent in 61% of patients at week 24 and 70% of patients at week 48. No life-threatening adverse effects were seen. Diffuse pigmentation was seen in 86% of patches. Color match was excellent in most of the patients (91%) with improvement in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: JT is a simple, cost-effective, and economical option in the management of stable acral vitiligo with minimal adverse effects.

Keywords

• acral
• autologous
• grafting
• vitiligo
• vitiligo surgery