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M. D. Njoo, MD; W. Westerhof, MD, PhD; J. D. Bos, MD, PhD; P. M. M. Bossuyt, MD, PhD

Arch Dermatol. 1998;134:1543-1549.

Objective  A systematic review of the effectiveness, safety, and applicability of autologous transplantation methods in vitiligo.

Data Sources  Computerized searches of bibliographical databases, a complementary manual literature search, and contacts with researchers and pharmaceutical firms.

Study Selection  Predefined selection criteria were applied to all studies found.

Data Extraction  Two investigators independently assessed the articles for inclusion. When there was a disagreement, a third investigator was consulted.

Data Synthesis  Sixty-three studies were found, of which 16 reported on minigrafting, 13 on split-thickness grafting, 15 on grafting of epidermal blisters, 17 on grafting of cultured melanocytes, and 2 on grafting of noncultured epidermal suspension. Of these, 39 patient series were included. The highest mean success rates (87%) were achieved with split-skin grafting (95% confidence interval, 82%-91%), and epidermal blister grafting (87%) (95% confidence interval, 83%-90%). The mean success rate of 5 culturing techniques varied from 13% to 53%. However, in 4 of the 5 culturing methods, fewer than 20 patients were studied. Minigrafting had the highest rates of adverse effects but was the easiest, fastest, and least expensive method.

Conclusions  Because no controlled trials were included, treatment recommendations should be formulated with caution. Split-thickness and epidermal blister grafting can be recommended as the most effective and safest techniques. No definite conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of culturing techniques because only a small number of patients have been studied. The choice of method also depends on certain disease characteristics and the availability of specialized personnel and equipment.

From the Netherlands Institute for Pigmentary Disorders (Drs Njoo and Westerhof), and the Departments of Dermatology (Drs Westerhof and Bos) and Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Dr Bossuyt), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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