Defining Important Aspects of Repigmentation in Vitiligo: Insights From Patients' Perspectives
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Repigmentation is an essential outcome in vitiligo assessment, yet it remains broadly defined. While perspectives from vitiligo experts have been explored, gaining insights from patients is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding. Ultimately, this could contribute to the development and refinement of core outcome sets for vitiligo. This study aimed to determine aspects of repigmentation patients consider most important. Two surveys and one focus group were conducted, involving 34 patients/patient caregivers and 20 patient representatives. In the surveys, aspects were deemed important if ≥ 70% of participants rated them as such. The focus group used the nominal group technique to rank the five most important self-suggested aspects. The survey results indicate reduction of target lesion surface area, maintenance of repigmentation, and cessation of spread as important. The focus group identified additional aspects, including "time to repigment," "location of lesions," and "color match". This study identified key aspects of repigmentation important to vitiligo patients. While survey results in general aligned with the core domain set for vitiligo clinical trials, the focus group highlighted additional factors. Incorporating these patient-centered priorities into future core outcome sets could enhance the clinical relevance of vitiligo research and ensure outcomes reflect patient perspectives.
Source: Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.70078
Authors: Jolien Duponselle, Marlide R. Jukema, Nicoline van Buchem‐Post, Liesbeth Delbaere, Amit Garg, Iltefat Hamzavi, Sandrine Herbelet, Julien Seneschal, Phyllis Spuls, Caroline B. Terwee, Sanne Uitentuis, Marloes Zuidgeest, Georg Pliszewski, Stephen Taylor, Sharon King, Maya Tulpule, Paul Monteiro, Nicolle Maquignon, Jean‐Marie Meurant, Nathalie Ambersley, Alex Schneider, Emma Rush, Albert Wolkerstorfer, Reinhart Speeckaert, Nanja van Geel
Institutions: Ghent University Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Hofstra University, Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Henry Ford Health, Henry Ford Hospital, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Hôpital Saint-André, Immunology from Concept and Experiments to Translation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7127948715