Repigmentation of vitiligo with topical tacrolimus

Current Debates on Etiopathogenesis and Treatment Strategies for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic, and progressive depigmentation or hypopigmentation characterized by the destruction of melanocytes and the occurrence of white patches or macules in the skin, mucosal surface of eyes, and ears. Melanocytes are the melanin pigment-producing cells of the skin which are destroyed in pathological conditions called vitiligo. Approximately 0.5 - 2.0% of the population is suffering from vitiligo, and a higher prevalence rate of up to 8.8% has been reported in India. It is caused by various pathogenic factors like genetic predisposition, hyperimmune activation, increased oxidative stress, and alteration in neuropeptides level. Genetic research has revealed a multi- genetic inheritance that exhibits an overlap with other autoimmune disorders. However, melanocytes specific genes are also affected (such as DDR1, XBP1, NLRP1, PTPN22, COMT, FOXP3, ACE, APE, GSTP1, TLR, SOD, and CTLA-4). A number of therapeutic options are employed for the treatment of vitiligo. The topical corticosteroids and immunomodulators are currently in practice for the management of vitiligo. Phototherapies alone and in combinations with other approaches are used in those patients who do not respond to the topical treatment. The main focus of this review is on the etiopathological factors, pharmacological management (phototherapy, topical, systemic, and surgical therapy), and herbal drugs used to treat vitiligo.

Assessment of dermal bioavailability: predicting the input function for topical glucocorticoids using stratum corneum sampling

Predicting the dermal bioavailability of topically delivered drugs is challenging. In this work, minimally invasive stratum corneum (SC) sampling was used to quantify the delivery of betamethasone valerate (BMV) into the viable skin. Betnovate® cream (0.1% w/w BMV) was applied at three doses (2, 5, and 10 mg cm⁻²) to the ventral forearms of 12 healthy volunteers. The mass of drug in the SC was measured using a validated tape-stripping method (a) after a 4-h “uptake” period, and (b) following a 6-h “clearance” period subsequent to cream removal. Concomitantly, the skin blanching responses to the same doses were assessed with a chromameter over 22 h post-application. BMV uptake into the SC was significantly higher for the 5 mg cm⁻² dose compared to those of 2 and 10 mg cm⁻². In all cases, ~30% of the drug in the SC at the end of the uptake period was cleared in the subsequent 6 h. From the SC sampling data, the average drug flux into the viable epidermis and its first-order elimination rate constant from the SC were estimated as 4 ng cm⁻² h⁻¹ and 0.07 h⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, skin blanching results were highly variable and insensitive to the dose of cream applied. The SC sampling method was able to detect a 50% difference between two applied doses with 80% power; detection of a 20% difference would require a larger sample size. SC sampling enabled quantitative metrics describing corticosteroid delivery to the viable epidermis to be determined.

Consensus on the treatment of vitiligo - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Background

Vitiligo is a muco-cutaneous, autoimmune, localized, or disseminated disease, which manifests through hypochromic or achromic macules, with loss in quality of life. The prevalence of vitiligo in Brazil was determined to be 0.54%. There is no on-label medication for its treatment. To date, no Brazilian consensus on the treatment of vitiligo had been written.

Objectives

The objective of this group of Brazilian dermatologists with experience in the treatment of this disease was to reach a consensus on the clinical and surgical treatment of vitiligo, based on articles with the best scientific evidence.

Methods

Seven dermatologists were invited, and each was assigned two treatment modalities to review. Each treatment (topical, systemic, and phototherapy) was reviewed by three experts. Two experts reviewed the surgical treatment. Subsequently, the coordinator compiled the different versions and drafted a text about each type of treatment. The new version was returned to all experts, who expressed their opinions and made suggestions for clarity. The final text was written by the coordinator and sent to all participants to prepare the final consensus.

Results/Conclusion

The experts defined the following as standard treatments of vitiligo: the use of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for localized and unstable cases; corticosteroid minipulse in progressive generalized vitiligo; narrowband UVB phototherapy for extensive forms of the disease. Surgical modalities should be indicated for segmental and stable generalized vitiligo. Topical and systemic anti-JAK drugs are being tested, with promising results.

Medical and Maintenance Treatments for Vitiligo

Medical treatments alone, or in combination with phototherapy, are key approaches for treating nonsegmental vitiligo and, to a lesser extent, segmental vitiligo. The treatments are useful for halting disease progression and have been proven effective for inducing repigmentation and decreasing risk of relapses. Although the treatments have side effects and limitations, vitiligo often induces a marked decrease in quality of life and in most cases the risk:benefit ratio is in favor of an active approach. Systemic and topical agents targeting the pathways involved in loss of melanocytes and in differentiation of melanocyte stem cells should provide more effective approaches in the near future.

Effectiveness and safety of topical tacrolimus monotherapy for repigmentation in vitiligo: a comprehensive literature review

Thus far, several small studies and case reports on the use of topical immunomodulators in vitiligo have been published. We undertook a comprehensive literature review, searching for studies evaluating clinical response to tacrolimus topical therapy for vitiligo. A search was performed on PubMed/Medline using the term “vitiligo”, combined with “topical” and “ointment”. Our inclusion criteria were: use of tacrolimus ointment as monotherapy to treat vitiligo. We found 29 studies from 2002 to 2014. Overall, 709 patients were treated in 29 studies. Pooling the lesions, 50% repigmentation of vitiligo patches was never achieved before 2 months of treatment, with a peak after 6 months of therapy. The best results were obtained on lesions of the cephalic region, especially the face, with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment two times daily. The percentage of non-responsive patients ranged from 0% to 14%. Treatment was generally well-tolerated; only localized adverse effects were reported. Our objective was to verify the effectiveness and safety of tacrolimus ointment monotherapy. It has good efficacy and tolerability. At present, only small trials and case series are available in the literature. Further, standardized investigations on a larger number of patients are needed.

[Treatment of vitiligo]

The range of treatment options for vitiligo has significantly expanded in the last 10 years and we can offer our patients more effective treatment strategies supported by European guidelines and consensus findings. Topical and UV therapy are-often in combination-the main components of vitiligo treatment. The main outcome parameters include extent and maintenance of gained repigmentation, cessation of spreading, avoidance of side effects and the influence of the treatment on the quality of life. The efficacy of the currently available treatments is often limited. New options include antioxidative or melanocyte-stimulating adjuvant therapies in combination with UV or laser light as well as a topical maintenance treatment to reduce the risk of recurrences. In many cases, psychological support is indicated.

Mometasone cream versus pimecrolimus cream for the treatment of childhood localized vitiligo

BACKGROUND

With regard to the lack of effective treatment modalities for childhood localized vitiligo, the search for newer therapeutic agents continues.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an open, comparative trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of topical mometasone cream and pimecrolimus cream in the treatment of childhood vitiligo.

METHODS

Fifty patients with childhood vitiligo were included in the study. Patients were treated for 3 months either with mometasone cream (0.1%) once daily or with pimecrolimus cream (1%) twice daily.

RESULTS

Forty patients, 20 from each group, completed the study. The two drugs were found to be statistically significantly effective for diminishing lesion size (Z = 3.070,p = 0.002 andZ = 3.845,p < 0.001, respectively). There were no statistical differences between the two drugs:Z = 1.427,p = 0.154 (mometasone non-inferiority to pimecrolimus). The mean repigmentation rate was 65% in the mometasone group and 42% in the pimecrolimus group at the end of therapy. Atrophy, telangiectasia and erythema were observed in two patients (10%) in the mometasone cream group and a burning sensation and pruritus were observed in two patients (10%) in the pimecrolimus cream group; drop-out was not related to the observed adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Mometasone cream was found to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo on any part of the body. Pimecrolimus was not effective on the body except for the face in childhood localized vitiligo.

Analysis of interleukin-10 levels in lesions of vitiligo following treatment with topical tacrolimus

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an acquired dermatological condition that is characterized by depigmentation of patches of skin. It is relatively common, occuring in about 0.38-0.50% of the general population, and can engender significant cosmetic disfigurement and psychological sequelae in the affected individual. Recent studies demonstrate that topical tacrolimus (Protopic; Astellas, Markham, ON, Canada) is efficacious in the treatment of vitiligo. We propose that the successful treatment of vitiligo with topical tacrolimus involves the unique immunosuppressive actions of the T lymphocyte T-helper (Th) 2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to monitor clinical changes in lesions of vitiligo treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and quantify IL-10 cytokine levels in nonvitiliginous skin, as well as lesions of vitiligo before and following topical tacrolimus therapy.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation of lesions of vitiligo on the basis of surface area and follicular repigmentation under Wood's lamp was performed in 20 enrolled adult patients. Biopsy specimens were obtained from nonvitiliginous skin, as well as lesions of vitiligo before and following topical tacrolimus therapy. Specimens were processed and analysed for expression of IL-10 using the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A statistically significant mean +/- SEM decrease in vitiligo lesion size of 41.0 +/- 5.2% was observed following 3 months of treatment. A pattern of follicular repigmentation was noted by the third month of treatment for all patients completing the study. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between IL-10 expression in vitiligo lesions following treatment for 3 months with topical tacrolimus compared with untreated vitiligo lesions (P = 0.017) and normal skin (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that topical tacrolimus is an effective treatment for vitiligo. We propose that topical tacrolimus increases IL-10 expression in vitiligo lesions, and thereby inhibits melanocyte destruction triggered by unchecked Th1 pathways in vitiligo.

The efficacy of pimecrolimus 1% cream plus narrow-band ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Recently, narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and topical immunomodulators have been successfully used in the treatment of vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the combination of pimecrolimus with NB-UVB accelerates the response time and/or improves the degree of response in patients with vitiligo.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with vitiligo enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients were randomized into two groups and treated with NB-UVB plus either pimecrolimus or placebo for 3 months. Tri-weekly radiation was started at 280 mJ/cm(2), with 15% increments for each subsequent treatment until erythema was reported or a maximum of 800 mJ/cm was achieved. At baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after commencement of therapy, vitiliginous patches were measured.

RESULTS

Fifty patients completed the 3-month study. No significant side effects except self-limited erythema and pruritus were observed. After 12 weeks of treatment, repigmentation of the facial lesions was higher in patients treated with combined pimecrolimus and NB-UVB compared with the placebo plus NB-UVB group (64.3 vs 25.1%) (p < 0.05%). There was no statistically significant difference in the repigmentation rate between the two groups on other body areas.

CONCLUSION

On the face, NB-UVB works better if combined with pimecrolimus 1% cream rather than used alone.

Topical pimecrolimus: A new horizon for vitiligo treatment?

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% in vitiligo and to evaluate the effects of age of the patients, age of onset and duration of disease on response rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients with vitiligo were enrolled in our study; 19 patients (seven male, 12 female) completed the 6-month study period. Patients were treated with topical pimecrolimus 1% cream once daily. The response was evaluated as excellent (76-100%), moderate (51-75%), mild (26-50%), minimal (1-25%), or no response.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 19 patients was 29.3+/-16.6 (range 7-62 years) and the mean duration of vitiligo was 68.4+/-81.3 months. Three patients demonstrated an excellent response to the therapy. Four patients had moderate, six patients had mild and five patients had minimal responses; one patient had no response to the treatment. Side effects were noted as a burning and stinging sensation in only three patients. The correlations between response rate and duration of the disease (r = 0.02, p = 0.95), onset age (r = -0.17, p = 0.48), and age of the patients (r = -0.16, p = 0.53) were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Pimecrolimus has a mild therapeutic effect on vitiligo without significant side effects and can be an alternative therapy agent.

Vitiligo treatment options: An evolving scenario

Sequential displays of several treatment options for vitiligo have been scanned from the literature, and are presented here. A few of the medical modalities have been resigned to history, whereas others have become customary in clinical practice. There has also been a recent surge of interest in the surgical treatment of this disease. Accordingly, this has been appraised and summarized. Special attention has been given to prevalent medical modalities so that they may be effectively utilized by those currently in practice.

The efficacy of pimecrolimus 1% cream combined with microdermabrasion in the treatment of nonsegmental childhood vitiligo: a randomized placebo-controlled study

Recently, topical immunomodulators have been successfully used in monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic modalities in vitiligo. To determine whether combination pimecrolimus 1% cream and microdermabrasion enhances response time and repigmentation rate in children with vitiligo. Sixty-five children diagnosed with vitiligo enrolled in this randomized placebo-controlled study. Three vitiliginous patches were chosen in each patient. The first lesion was treated by pimecrolimus 1% cream. On the second lesion after doing microdermabrasion on day 1, pimecrolimus 1% cream was applied. On the third lesion placebo was applied. The course of treatment was 10 days. Vitiliginous patches were measured at baseline, day 10, and months 1, 2, and 3. Sixty patients completed the 3-month study period. Clinical response (pigmentation >50%) was observed in 60.4% of the patches treated by combined pimecrolimus plus microdermabrasion at the third month of follow-up, compared with 32.1% and 1.7% for pimecrolimus alone and placebo, respectively (p = 0.000). No significant side effect was observed. Microdermabrasion exerts an additive effect in enhancing the rate and degree of repigmentation by pimecrolimus. This new combined approach appears to be safe and effective in childhood vitiligo.

Tacrolimus (Topical): Vitiligo

Off-Label Drug Uses — This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label DrugFacts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label DrugFacts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific FDA-unapproved drug uses. This new guide to the literature will enable the health care professional/clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and to determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. The most relevant data are provided in tabular form, so the reader can easily identify the scope of information available. A summary of the data—including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations—precedes each table of published studies. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information prior to patient care decisions. Direct questions or comments regarding “Off-Label Drug Uses” to hospitalpharmacy@wolterskluwer.com .

Pimecrolimus Cream in Repigmentation of Vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a chronic disease that mostly affects children and young adults. Nowadays many treatment options are available; however, most of them have limited efficacy and in most cases would result in undesirable complications.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of repigmentation according to the location of the lesions after applying topical cream pimecrolimus 1% in vitiligo patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients with vitiligo lesions affecting less than 20% of body surface area without any previous history of spontaneous repigmentation were treated with pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily for 12 weeks. The extent of repigmentation in vitiligo lesions was determined in each patient after 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Moderate to excellent response (repigmentation >26%) was observed in 6.6 and 25.9% of vitiligo lesions 6 and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. More responsive lesions were located on the trunk, face and elbow (85.7, 75 and 70%).

CONCLUSION

Pimecrolimus cream 1% results in repigmentation in vitiligo in different extents according to the location of the lesion; however, to clearly prove its efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with other available treatment options, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are essential.

Treatment of localized vitiligo with targeted broadband UVB phototherapy: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy and 308 nm excimer laser have produced encouraging therapeutic results for vitiligo. Repigmentation of various degrees was obtained in different studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine vitiliginous lesions from six patients were treated with targeted, broadband UV-B phototherapy. UV fluences were started at 50% of the minimal erythema dose, then increased gradually. Treatments were carried out twice weekly for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Some degree of repigmentation occurred in all subjects. Responses varied among the different anatomic locations, with acral lesions achieving the least improvement. Onset of repigmentation was as early as 3 weeks of treatment in some subjects. Treatments were well tolerated, with only minimal erythema and hyperpigmentation.

LIMITATIONS

This study was carried out in a smaller number of patients with skin types III and IV. The irradiation device was a broadband UVB device, and thus the results may not be similar to those obtained from a more monochromatic system such as an excimer laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted broadband UVB is an efficacious and safe modality for the treatment of localized vitiligo.

What's new in hypochromy

Hypochromy is a common dermatological disorder. However, its treatment still gives unsatisfactory results. Interesting clues into the understanding of the pathophysiology of hypochromy have been recently brought about thanks to the pigmentary side effects reported with the new tyrosine kinase inhibition treatments. New therapeutic approaches to hypochromy are further discussed.

Topical macrolide immunomodulators: a role in the treatment of vitiligo?

Recently, topical macrolide immunomodulators have been successfully introduced in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. With the growing interest in this new line of topical immunosuppressants, research into the efficacy of these medicines in other T-cell-mediated skin diseases, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, and even vitiligo, is expanding rapidly. It is generally accepted that autoimmune factors play an important role in vitiligo. In this article, the possible use and mechanism of topical macrolide immunomodulators in the treatment of vitiligo are discussed, together with the current state of clinical studies and case reports. These limited reports indicate that topical macrolide immunomodulators may play a role in the treatment of vitiligo, particularly in areas where use of potent corticosteroids is contraindicated.

Quality of life and stigmatization profile in a cohort of vitiligo patients and effect of the use of camouflage

BACKGROUND

Few studies have paid attention to the effects of treatment interventions on the psychosocial consequences of vitiligo.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify and analyse the psychosocial benefit of the use of camouflage in vitiligo patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

78 vitiligo patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and an adapted stigmatization questionnaire, and 62 of them completed the DLQI after at least a 1-month use of camouflage.

RESULTS

The initial mean overall DLQI score (n = 78) is 6.9 (SD 5.6). The mean global stigmatization score is 38%. Disease extent and disease severity are strong predictors of the DLQI (p < 0.0001). Vitiligo on the face/head/neck substantially affects the DLQI, independently of degree of involvement. The mean DLQI score before and after use of camouflage (n = 62) is 7.3 (SD 5.6) and 5.9 (SD 5.2; p = 0.006). Mainly the high-scoring items 'feelings of embarrassment and self consciousness' and 'choice of clothing' improve. Predictors of improvement are higher DLQI scores (p = 0.0005) and higher total severity scores (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Camouflage can be recommended, particularly in patients with higher DLQI scores or self-assessed disease severity. Patients with minor involvement of the face benefit from camouflage.

Melanin pigmentary disorders: treatment update

Most of the melanin pigmentary disorders are cosmetically important and have a strong impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. This article examines recent advances in the treatment of melanin pigmentary disorder including hypermelanosis and hypomelanosis. The development of laser technologies has completed the use of the increasing number of bleaching agents in treating hyperpigmented lesions. The treatment of hypomelanotic disorders is still often disappointing, but new therapeutic options provide encouraging results.

Vitíligo. Tratamiento de 12 casos con tacrolimus tópico

INTRODUCTION

Vitiligo is a frequent dyschromia, characterized by achromic macules that reflect the absence of melanocytes. The cause of this selective destruction seems to be due to an autoimmune phenomenon. Tacrolimus is an immunomodulator produced by Streptomyces tsukubaensis, whose topical use has been approved for atopic dermatitis. It has been tested in other dermatoses where immunological phenomena are involved.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the period from September 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004, an open study was carried out on 12 cases of vitiligo treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1 % twice a day. The degree of repigmentation was analyzed using digital photography at the initial visit, and at three and six months. The response in each case was taken into consideration, as well as the response by treated area. Possible adverse effects during the treatment period were also noted.

RESULTS

50 % of the patients treated showed repigmentation with good (50 %-75 %) or excellent (> 75 %) improvement after 6 months. All of the patients with facial involvement achieved repigmentation of over 50 % in this location. Repigmentation in all cases took place homogeneously and centripetally, rather than in a perifollicular pattern. Repigmentation began before three months of treatment had elapsed in 10 patients, and after three months in the remaining two. We did not find any evidence of adverse effects except pruritus in the eyelid area in two patients during the first week of treatment.

CONCLUSION

We believe that tacrolimus 0.1 % applied topically for a minimum of six months may be a valid alternative in the treatment of vitiligo in the facial area, especially the eyelids, where other therapeutic modes are not recommended because of the possible side effects.

Hypopigmentary Skin Disorders

Alterations of skin and hair pigmentation are important features that have warranted treatment from ancient history on up to modern time. In some cultures, even today patients with vitiligo are regarded as social outcasts and are affected considerably both emotionally and physically. This article presents current options and future directions for the treatment of hypopigmentary disorders. Whereas with congenital disorders, such as albinism and phenylketonuria, no causal therapy has been established up to now, several treatment options for acquired hypopigmentary disorders have been investigated. In particular, in vitiligo, one of the most prevalent hypopigmentary disorders, a number of treatment modalities have been employed in the past 30 years. However, most of them are only able to palliate, not cure, the disease. Depending on the distribution of the hypopigmented lesions (localised or generalised) and the state of the disease (active or stable), several therapeutic options, for example phototherapy, surgical skin grafts, autologous melanocyte transplantation and immunomodulators, can be applied alone or in combination. For phototherapy, because of unfavourable results and adverse effects, ultraviolet (UV) A has been largely replaced by narrow-band UVB for repigmentation of generalised vitiligo. Although immunomodulators, such as corticosteroids, have been used both topically and systemically over the past 3 decades for the treatment of disseminated vitiligo, they are only suitable for the treatment of acrofacial and localised forms because of adverse effects. Hence, new immunomodulatory agents, such as calcineurin antagonists, have recently been introduced as new promising tools to treat acquired hypopigmentary disorders. However, all therapeutic approaches are hampered by the fact that the pathophysiology of hypopigmentary disorders is still poorly understood.