European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Vitiligo is characterized by skin depigmentation as a result of destruction of melanocytes in the affected areas. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, it is considered as an autoimmune disease. Association with other autoimmune conditions such as pernicious anaemia, alopecia areata, systemic lupus, and thyroid disease has been established. Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin for humans. The majority of its active form is obtained through activation of the pre-vitamin D3 formed in the skin after sun exposure particularly UVB (290–320nm). Diet is only a minor source for this vitamin. This vitamin has a significant role in immunity (innate and adaptive), calcium regulation, and melanin synthesis; in addition, many diseases have been associated with reduced vitamin D levels. Materials and methods: The study included 35 diagnosed vitiligo patients attending Dermatology OPD from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. 50 healthy controls were also recruited after required matching was done based on demographics (age & sex) and skin phototype. Through clinical history and physical/woods lamp examination, the expert dermatologist established/ refuted the diagnosis of vitiligo. None of the patients required biopsy for confirmation. Patients data were recorded, which included (but was not limited to) age, sex of the patient, skin phototype and sunscreen usage. Detailed history about the disease and family history were obtained. Result: The majority of cases were that of vitiligo vulgaris (VV) subtype (54.3%), followed by acrofacial/ liptip vitiligo (42.9%) and focal vitiligo (2.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels between the different types of vitiligo. There was no statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels within the case group with respect to age, gender, duration of illness or associated autoimmune condition. All patients had Fitzpatrick type V skin phototype. None of the recruited cases had any family history of vitiligo. Conclusion: Very low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (<15 ng/mL) appear to be a reasonable screening tool for the presence of comorbid autoimmunity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Fitzpatrick phototype, rather than ethnicity, is specifically associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels that are insufficient (<30 ng/mL).