Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of NCES prepared in SVF compared to the laboratory-based method of NCES preparation in PBS. Introduction: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF ) is a very rich source for mesencymal stem cells, pericytes and other important stem cells important for pigmentation, wound healing and regeneration. Non cultured epidermal cell suspension has revolutionized the treatment of stable vitiligo. Prepration of NCES in SVF (replacing prosphate buffer saline {PBS} in final solution). Materials / method: Anatomically based matched lesions (26 pairs) in 20 stable vitiligo patients were randomized to receive NCES prepared in PBS or SVF. Each patient was evaluated at 4, 8, 16 weeks after surgery by a blinded observer with regard to extent of repigmentation, colour match, patient global assessment (PGA) and pattern of repigmentation. Results: Repigmentation outcome in SVF method as compared to PBS NCES was: excellent (≥90%) repigmentation: 42% vs. 35%, p=1.000, good (≥75%) repigmentation : 75% vs. 70%, p=1.000; colour match: 64% vs. 54%, p=0.784, patient satisfaction based on PGA score – 24.02 vs. 23.39 (p=0.220) and major pattern of repigmentation (diffuse) – 79% vs. 69% (p=0.628). Conclusion: Preparation of NCES in SVF is an effective, superior and regenerative technique for vitiligo surgery in clinical practice.