Association of Vitiligo with Autoimmune thyroid diseases

Dr. Atul Mohankar; Dr. Minakshi Mandhare

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

Association of Vitiligo with Autoimmune thyroid diseases

Dr. Atul Mohankar, Dr. Minakshi Mandhare

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is considered the most frequent depigmenting disorder. Although its pathogenesis is uncertain, believed to be autoimmune in origin. This theory is based on the coexistence of vitiligo with autoimmune and thyroid diseases. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of the association of vitiligo with autoimmune thyroid diseases. METHODS: A cross–sectional study was conducted through analysis of the medical records of patients diagnosed with vitiligo in our Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology. The clinical and laboratorial characteristics of these patients were assessed. RESULTS: 90 patients of vitiligo evaluated; 56 patients were female, with a mean age of 37.14 years and mean onset age of 25.25 years. Autoimmune thyroid diseases were found in 20%. Other autoimmune diseases were identified in 5.5%. Patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies showed a probability of extension of vitiligo greater than 25%. There was no statistical difference with regard to the clinical characteristics of vitiligo in patients with or without autoimmune thyroiditis with hormonal change. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are similar to those obtained by other authors, showing that autoimmune thyroid diseases are more common in patients with vitiligo.