Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October | Volume: 10 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1-7
A Study on Vitiligo- An Association with Endocrine Disorders, Audiological and Ocular Defects
Syeda Tanvira Habib1, Binita Teron2, Debeeka Hazarika3
1MD. Specialist Dermatologist, in Abudhabi. Marina Square, Flat 3302, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
2MD. Asst. Prof. Tezpur Medical College, Tezpur, Assam
Rupnagar, H.No.235, P.O. Indrapur, Kamrup(M), Guwahati-781032, Assam.
3Professor and HOD Dept. of Dermatology, Tezpur Medical College, Tezpur, Assam.
Corresponding Author: Debeeka Hazarika
ABSTRACT
Background: Vitiligo is a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the development of milk white macules due to destruction of melanocytes. There is high frequency of association of vitiligo with various autoimmune diseases which favors autoimmune origin of vitiligo. Since melanocytes are destroyed in vitiligo melanocytes present in the retina and in the inner ear could also be affected in vitiligo.
Aim: To evaluate any association of vitiligo with endocrine disease, audiological and ocular defects.
Method: This study comprised of 285 vitiligo patient and age and sex matched 100 control cases without vitiligo. History of onset, duration, family history was taken. Relevant laboratory tests were done. Thorough ocular examination, audiometry was also done.
Result: Incidence of vitiligo was 1.1%, male and female ratio was 1:1.11. High incidence was recorded among early age group, below 30 years of age. Generalized vitiligo was highest in number 69.12%; hearing loss and ocular defects were significantly high among generalized and long duration of vitiligo.
Limitation: Larger and longer follow up studies are needed to establish the precision of our observation.
Conclusion: Vitiligo affects the pigment cell throughout the body. Generalized type of vitiligo, with leucotrichia indicates more destruction of melanocytes which can lead to ocular defect, sensorineural damage and hearing loss. The early recognition of these clinical markers may help patient to halt the further damage.
Key words: vitiligo, melanocyte, endocrine, ocular, audiological, sensorineural, hypoacusis