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Chronic graft-versus-host disease has significant link to vitiligo, alopecia areata risk

Female donor and female donor to male recipient sex mismatch had a significant association with the development of vitiligo and/or alopecia areata in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease, according to researchers.

In a cross-sectional, retrospective study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, data from 282 adult and pediatric patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) were reviewed to determine laboratory markers, transplant-related factors and other systemic manifestations associated with vitiligo and/or alopecia areata (AA). The researchers used univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to reveal risk factors for the development of vitiligo and AA.

Edward W. Cowen

Rena Zuo

The study findings showed 15 of 282 patients demonstrated vitiligo and/or AA; one patient had both vitiligo and AA.

Upon completion of the univariate analysis, the researchers found female donor to male recipient sex mismatch, positive test results for anticardiolipin (ACA) immunoglobulin G (IgG) or antiparietal antibody, elevated CD19 level, and normal or elevated IgG level to be risk factors for vitiligo or AA.

Female donor to male recipient sex mismatch and positive ACA-IgG findings were shown to retain a significant association with vitiligo and AA after multivariate analysis, as well, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.