A study on the correlation of serum cholecalciferol level and vitiligo in patients attending Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the correlation between serum cholecalciferol levels and vitiligo with respect to type, duration and severity among patients attending dermatology OP (out patient) at Government Rajaji hospital, Madurai. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital based case control study with a sample size of 180 including 120 cases and 60 controls. The study was done for 6 months from December 2016 to May 2017 in dermatology department, Government Rajaji hospital. Clinically diagnosed vitiligo patients constitute the cases. Age matched and sex matched healthy volunteers comprised the control group. Ethical committee approval was obtained. Informed consent were obtained from all those who were included in this study. Detailed history and examination was carried out and recorded. The patients were categorized based on the type, duration, and severity (VASI score) of vitiligo. Serum 25-OH cholecalciferol levels were calculated using Euro immune ELISA kit. The results were compared. RESULTS: Cholecalciferol deficiency was associated with vitiligo vulgaris and universalis, VASI>26%, duration >5 years with normal values being attributed to phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Thus in this study, there is a significant correlation between serum cholecalciferol and the type, duration and severity of vitiligo. Those patients receiving phototherapy showed normal cholecalciferol and were improving clinically