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Repigmentation of Tenacious Vitiligo on Apremilast.

ABSTRACT: Vitiligo is a common pigment disorder characterized by acquired loss of function or absence of melanocytes, leading to distinct areas of depigmentation. Physical exam reveals sharply demarcated, depigmented macules or patches on otherwise normal skin. Vitiligo can present at any age, in any skin color. There is no specific serologic marker for diagnosis, but patients often have other autoimmune problems. Treatment options are limited and are difficult given the fact that the pathogenesis of the disease is not well elucidated. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman with vitiligo for over 2 decades. The patient's medical history reveals a lack of response to many different approaches. This case highlights the ability of apremilast, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, to achieve repigmentation in a case a vitiligo that has been extremely recalcitrant.

SUBMITTER: Huff SB

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5694993 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder presenting with depigmentation, the pathogenesis of which is complex but the autoimmune theory is now preferred. Multiple immunologic processes, including stimulation of the T-helper (Th)1 response, formation of autoreactive melanocyte-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes, a decrease in the blood concentration of T regulatory (Treg) cells, and an increase in interleukin (IL)-17 and interferon (IFN) concentration, have been shown to contribute to vitiligo progression and maintenance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of simvastatin and atorvastatin on vitiligous lesions in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). According to available data, statins act through several immunological pathways, potentially reversing undesirable phenomena underlying autoimmune vitiligo pathogenesis. METHODS/DESIGN:A study has been designed as a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study with the enrollment of at least 24 active NSV patients presenting with vitiligous lesions on both upper and lower limbs. The clinical effects of ointments containing 1% simvastatin-acid sodium salt or 1% atorvastatin calcium salt applied on a preselected limb will be assessed in comparison with vehicle ointment applied on the opposite limb. All study participants will undergo clinical evaluation using body surface area (BSA) and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scales at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 time points. A precise assessment of skin lesions will be performed using photographic documentation obtained during each study visit and processed with NIS-Elements software. DISCUSSION:Currently available vitiligo topical therapeutic approaches including calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids remain poorly effective and are associated with either relatively high cost or potentially dangerous adverse effects. The clinical application of orally administrated statins, widely used as systemic cholesterol-lowering agents, in vitiligous patients has only been tested in two clinical trials; however, data on their potential usefulness is scarce. Moreover, due to a high risk of clinically significant toxicity, topical administration was recommended by researchers. This study is the first to evaluate safety and efficacy of the topical use of statins in patients presenting with NSV. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03247400 . Registered on 05 August 2017.

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Repigmentation of Tenacious Vitiligo on Apremilast.

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