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Case Reports
. 2016 Sep;13 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):47-51.
doi: 10.1111/iwj.12632.

Epidermal skin grafting in vitiligo: a pilot study

Agata Janowska  1 , Valentina Dini  1 , Salvatore Panduri  1 , Michela Macchia  1 , Teresa Oranges  1 , Marco Romanelli  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Epidermal skin grafting in vitiligo: a pilot study

Agata Janowska et al. Int Wound J. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

Vitiligo is a multifactorial acquired dermatosis characterised by achromic or hypochromic macules and by the absence of functioning melanocytes. Treatment depends on the extent of the affected areas and on disease activity. Surgical techniques have proven to be effective in stable cases but can be time-consuming and, in some cases, aesthetically unsatisfying or painful for the patients. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of a new automatic epidermal skin harvesting device in patients with stable localised vitiligo over a minimum 12-month period. This new system (CELLUTOME™ Epidermal Harvesting System, KCI, an ACELITY Company, San Antonio, TX) is a commercially available epidermal skin harvesting system that can be used without local anaesthesia or other pre-treatments and has been shown to have low rates of donor site morbidity. Epidermal skin grafts can used in patients with acute and hard to heal chronic wounds, burns and stable vitiligo. The use of advanced therapies may improve the quality of life, have cost benefits and accelerate re-pigmentation of patients with vitiligo. In our preliminary study, this system was seen to be a safe and efficacious means of harvesting epidermal micrografts containing melanocytes for use in patients with stable vitiligo unresponsive to standard therapies.

Keywords: Epidermal skin grafting; Skin grafting; Vitiligo.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Curettage of recipient site.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Representative photo depicting epidermal micrograft engraftments 7–14 days post epidermal grafting. The whole graft recipient site (A) and a 10× magnification of the micrograft (HEINE Delta® 20T Dermatoscope, HEINE Optotechnik, Herrsching, Deutschland) (B) are shown.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photo showing 100% repigmentation following epidermal skin grafting. The patient's hand prior to epidermal grafting (A) and 1 month after epidermal grafting (B) are shown.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Representative photo of 50–75% repigmentation. Vitiligo area prior to epidermal grafting (A) and 2 months after epidermal grafting (B) are shown.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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