Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser versus Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser with Autologous Intralesional Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Stable, Non-segmental Vitiligo: A Randomized Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: The treatment of vitiligo is often challenging and requires a multi-modality approach. Fractional carbon dioxide (FCO(2)) laser has been studied as an adjuvant therapy in cases of vitiligo. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors, which may contribute to the growth of melanocytes, and thus help in the repigmentation of vitiligo patches. We aimed to study the combination of these two modalities for the treatment of vitiligo. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of FCO(2) laser with PRP and FCO(2) laser alone as an adjuvant therapy in stable non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label interventional study was carried out for a period of 18 months from December 2017 to June 2019, at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with stable, NSV were assessed for eligibility; 66 patients were randomized equally into two groups. Group A received treatment with FCO(2) laser with intralesional PRP, whereas Group B was treated with FCO(2) laser alone. Patients in both the groups were treated with one therapy session and were followed up monthly for a period of 3 months. All the patients received topical psoralen with ultraviolet A (UVA) PUVA-sol treatment. Baseline and monthly assessments were done by VITILIGO AREA SEVERITY INDEX and standardized photographs. RESULTS: VASI score reduction was significantly more in the Group A with (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) 9.5 ± 0.22, 5.8 ± 1.12, and 3.6 ± 1.81 as compared to Group B 11.9 ± 2.83, 9.9 ± 3.11, and 8.9 ± 3.46 at each subsequent follow-up visits, respectively. Side effects such as burning sensation, erythema, and crusting were seen less frequently and lasted for a short period in Group A in comparison to those in Group B. CONCLUSION: Combination of FCO(2) laser and autologous intralesional PRP has a synergetic effect in treating patients with vitiligo as an adjuvant therapy with minimal adverse effects.