Correlation of Vitiligo and Thyroid Profile in Patients Attending Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired, and occasionally inherited, disorder characterized by the loss of skin and hair pigmentation due to the targeted destruction of melanocytes. Vitiligo commonly occurs alongside autoimmune conditions affecting other organs, including pernicious anemia, thyroid diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and Addison's disease, indicating its association with systemic autoimmune disorders. Research also indicates that vitiligo patients experience immune system abnormalities, where the loss of melanocytes may result from an autoimmune response involving autoantibodies. Objectives: To evaluate correlation of vitiligo and thyroid profile. Methodology: Patients presenting with vitiligo , who fulfill all inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria and are willing to participate in this study was selected for a period of 6 months from September 2023 to March 2024. Adetailed history including the age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, duration of the disease, present and past illness family and personal history are recorded as per the Proforma. Sixty age and sex matched patients with other dermatitis excluding vitiligo are randomly assigned as controls . All patients with vitiligo were screened with Thyroid functions tests including Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyeronine (T3), Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH). Results: The present study of 60 patients with vitiligo incidence is higher in females than in males ,with female to male ratio of 1.73:1 , most of them belonging to the age group of 26-35 years . Most common type of vitiligo observed is generalised vitiligo. Thyroid function abnormalities found in 38.33% of patients compared to 13.33% controls. Conclusions: The study highlights a notable prevalence of thyroid-related diseases , both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism among patients suffering from vitiligo. The results emphasize the importance of routinely evaluating vitiligo patients , especially those with generalized vitiligo for thyroid disorders at least once every year.