Introduction: Vitiligo is the most prevalent reason for acquired oral, skin & hair depigmentation affecting to the 0.5 - 2.5 % of the population globally. Vitiligo mainly occurs due to the destruction of melanocytes and it’s linked to various systemic conditions like thyroid dysfunction. Thus, the study aimed to address the potential underlying biochemical mechanism and characterization of the clinical relationship between vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done with 110 vitiligo subjects after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed clinical history of all the subjects was noted. Vitiligo disease activity (VIDA), Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index, scores were calculated. Biochemical parameters were estimated using the electrochemiluminescence method. Results: Significantly higher levels of VIDA and VASI scores were noted in Group II subjects, indicating increased disease activity. The quality of life (QoL) of Group II subjects was more affected than Group I. The QoL of the married population was more affected in both the study groups. Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 30 (27.27%) out of 110 vitiligo subjects. 16.36% of subjects had significantly positive thyroid antibody test results. Presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, leukotrichia, and Koebner phenomenon was observed in some subjects. Conclusion: Vitiligo patients should be routinely screened for thyroid dysfunction for better diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent further complications. Besides medication, the married and young population should have counseling and good mental health to improve QoL by lowering their stress or the feeling of humiliation caused by disease.
Patil et al. (Thu,) studied this question.