Work

A 5-week low-dose prednisolone regimen for progressive vitiligo: efficacy and safety in a single-center cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Progressive vitiligo lacks standardized glucocorticoid regimens, with prolonged treatments often causing adverse effects. This study evaluated a novel 5-week low-dose prednisolone strategy (0.5 mg/kg/day, tapered weekly) to balance efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of this regimen in halting disease progression and inducing repigmentation in progressive vitiligo. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort study (January 2017 to January 2022), 319 progressive vitiligo patients (Vitiligo Disease Activity score, VIDA score ≥ +2) received the 5-week regimen. Outcomes included treatment efficacy (cessation of progression ± repigmentation), adverse events, and patient satisfaction (visual analog scale, VAS). RESULTS: = 0.013). Mild-to-moderate adverse events occurred in 14.1% (45/319), including weight gain (8.2%), insomnia (3.1%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (2.8%), all resolving post-treatment. Patient satisfaction was high (mean VAS: 8.88/10; 65% scored 10/10). CONCLUSION: This 5-week low-dose prednisolone regimen rapidly stabilizes progressive vitiligo across ages and subtypes, with high efficacy, minimal adverse effects, and excellent patient compliance. It offers a practical alternative to prolonged steroid protocols, particularly for early intervention.

Source: Annals of Medicine

DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2543523

Authors: Yue-Tong Qian, Jia-Wei Liu, Dong-Lai Ma

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Language: English

Topic: melanin and skin pigmentation

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,557