A Clinical Study of Vitiligo and Associated Autoimmune Disorders - A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterized by de-pigmentation affecting 1% of the population Vitiligo is associated with a lot of other autoimmune disorders. Aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of other co-morbid autoimmune disorders in vitiligo patients in our Institution. Methods: A total of 100 patients with vitiligo who attended our Hospital vitiligo clinic were included. Patients with lesion which were less than 1cm in size and inactive vitiligo were excluded from the study. The co-morbid autoimmune disorders were collected and analyzed. Results: In our study group of 100 patients with vitiligo, 30 patients had autoimmune disorders. Out of the 30 patients, 20 patients had Diabetes Mellitus and it was found out to be the most common autoimmune disorder. Among the rest of 10 patients, 5 patients had pernicious anemia, 2 patients had alopecia areata, 2 patients had psoriasis vulgaris and 1 patient had linear morphea. Conclusion: Most of the patients with vitiligo have one or more autoimmune disorder which supports the autoimmune theory of vitiligo. It therefore mandatory to screen all patients of vitiligo for autoimmune disorders.