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Vitiligo patients experienced higher prevalence of atopic disease

Patients with vitiligo had greater a prevalence of atopic disease compared with established cases among the general adult population, according to pilot study results.

Two online questionnaires were established for adults with vitiligo and parents of children and adolescents with the autoimmune disorder. Of 2,763 patients who completed the survey, 2,645 were diagnosed with vitiligo (median age, 40 years; 69.9% female), including 2,273 adults and 371 children and adolescents.

A history of at least one atopic disease was reported by 1,635 patients (61.8%). Hay fever was the most common disorder (48.2%), followed by atopic dermatitis (AD; 24%), food allergy (18.2%) and asthma (17.8%). Patients aged older than 40 years (P≤.03) and those who were multiracial or of “other” race/ethnicity (P<.001) were more likely to have a history of atopic disease.

Vitiligo involving a body surface area (BSA) of at least 76% (adjusted OR=1.47; 95% CI, 1.10-1.97) and skin that itched or burned (aOR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.38-1.96) were associated with atopic disease. Vitiligo duration showed no association with atopic disease (P≥.04). Compared with patients exhibiting one atopic disease, patients who had a BSA of at least 76% (aOR=1.57, 95% CI, 1.12-2.18) and itching or burning (aOR=1.48; 95% CI, 1.20-1.83) were more likely to have multiple disorders.

Associations were observed between a BSA of at least 76% and AD (aOR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.26-2.31), hay fever (aOR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.79) and food allergy (aOR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.79) but not with asthma (aOR=1.21; 95% CI, 0.85-1.71), according to subanalysis. All four atopic diseases were associated with itching or burning (P<.001).

“The present study found a higher prevalence of atopic disease in vitiligo compared with the previously established prevalence in the general adult population (AD, 3%; asthma, 8%; hay fever, 24%; food allergy, 5%),” the researchers concluded. “History of atopic disease may be helpful to predict which patients with vitiligo will experience progression to extensive disease.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.