Autologous Non-cultured Basal Cell-Enriched Epidermal Cell Suspension Transplantation in Vitiligo: Indian Experience

INTRODUCTION: Autologous non-cultured basal cell-enriched epidermal cell suspension transplantation is a simple yet effective cell-based therapy for vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report is a retrospective analysis of 58 patients who were operated between December 2003 and August 2006 and were under follow-up for at least 2 years. Nine patients did not come for follow-up, and were excluded. At the time of transplantation all patients were having stable disease for at least 1 year. Epidermal cell suspension transplantation was done using Mulekar’s method. Repigmentation was assessed and classified into excellent (>90% repigmentation), good (70–89%), fair (30–69%) and poor (<30%). RESULTS: Of the 49 patients who came for follow-up, 32 (65%) had excellent (>90%) repigmentation; 9 (18%) had good (70–89%); 4 (8%) had fair (30-69%) and 4 (8%) patients had poor (<30%) repigmentation. During the follow-up, eight patients(16%) showed relapse of the disease. CONCLUSION: Autologous noncultured basal cell-enriched epidermal cell suspension transplantation is an effective, simple and safe method.