Establishing standardized vitiligo relapse, severity criteria

In an international consensus statement, investigators aimed to introduce new standardized definitions of vitiligo relapse and severity to help inform treatment decision-making.

The investigators conducted a comprehensive literature review, qualitative study, survey and consensus meeting involving 91 dermatologists, trialists, methodologists, nurses, psychologists, journal editors, researchers and patients with vitiligo.

The consensus statement indicated that body surface area measurements are important but not adequate alone in assessing vitiligo severity. The investigators also proposed new criteria for evaluating the adverse clinical and psychologic effects of the disease — including spread or active disease, highly visible or high-impact area involvement, scalp and facial hair involvement, skin tone, sunburn risk, overall burden, age, school or career impact, perceived loss of identity, psychologic distress and stigmatization — as well as relapse.

The investigators hope their new vitiligo criteria can improve severity classification and treatment decision-making as well as close gaps in clinicians’ understanding of the patient experience.

Read more: JAMA Dermatology

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