Autologous, Noncultured Epidermal Cell Suspension Grafting in the Management of Mechanically and Chemically Induced Leukodermic Scars

Abstract

Background: Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplant procedure (MKTP) successfully repigments postburn leukodermic scars. Objective: To further investigate the efficacy and limitations of MKTP for treatment of mechanically and chemically induced leukodermic scars. Methods: Ten patients with mechanically or chemically induced, depigmented or hypopigmented scars were preoperatively evaluated with Wood’s light examination, treated with MKTP, and followed for at least 6 months, with monitoring of repigmentation and colour matching. Results: Nine patients attended at least 6 months of follow-up. Six patients showed no fluorescence of scars under Wood’s lamp. All patients whose lesions didn’t fluoresce displayed less than 50% repigmentation, with 5 of 6 attaining 0% to 24%. Of the 3 patients displaying bright or some fluorescence, more than 95% repigmentation was achieved in 2 patients (skin phototypes V and VI), while less than 24% was attained for the third (skin phototype II). Conclusions: In this small case series, lack of fluorescence in leukodermic scars may be a useful negative prognostic indicator for MKTP, but additional trials are needed to verify that this is not due to melanocompetency.