Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an autoimmune pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented macules on the skin. It is associated with a range of autoimmune diseases. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are implicated in vitiligo, but their association with disease severity remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess antinuclear antibody (ANA) serum levels and evaluate their relationship with the severity and types of vitiligo.
METHODS AND PATIENTS: This is a retrospective study using preexisting patient records from the Pigmentary Disorders Unit of the Cairo Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology. The analysis included patients with complete medical records, including demographic data, clinical evaluation (VIDA and VASI scores), and laboratory results for ANA titer. Their correlation with disease severity and patient demographics was analyzed.
RESULTS: The study found that 462 patients (33%) were positive for ANA, with a higher prevalence in females (350 patients; 75.8%). A significant correlation was observed between ANA positivity and family history of vitiligo and systemic autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. Weak positive correlations were found between ANA, different types of vitiligo, and disease severity scores.
CONCLUSION: Vitiligo is strongly associated with systemic autoimmune conditions. Routine monitoring of autoimmune markers in patients with vitiligo is recommended.