Topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study

Topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study

Authors

  • Farhad Handjani Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Shahin Aghaei Dermatology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Iman Moezzi Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences & Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Nasrin Saki Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences & Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Keywords:

vitiligo, mycophenolate mofetil, repigmentation

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease that is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches. Autoimmune reactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Mycophenolate mofetil is a drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in lymphocytes and has been used in autoimmune diseases such as immunobullous skin diseases, lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to show the efficacy of topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods: Thirty patients with limited vitiligo were enrolled in this study. The patients applied a topical preparation of mycophenolate mofetil 15% twice daily for three months and at the end of every month, repigmentation was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI).

Results: At the end of the third month, 36.6 % (n=11) of the patients showed about 25% repigmentation of the lesions. No side effects were observed throughout the study.

Conclusion: This study showed that topical mycophenolate mofetil can be somewhat effective in the treatment of vitiligo; however, it seems to be inferior to potent topical steroids in inducing repigmentation.

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Published

2017-05-01

Issue

Section

Research

How to Cite

1.
Handjani F, Aghaei S, Moezzi I, Saki N. Topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(2). doi:10.5826/dpc.0702a06

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