Autologous Nanofat Injection for Treatment of Stable Vitiligo

This randomized, split-site, within-participant controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single session of autologous nanofat injection as an adjunctive treatment to narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy in patients with stable vitiligo.

Twenty adult patients with stable vitiligo were included, with both male and female participants eligible for enrollment. Each participant served as his or her own control. Two comparable vitiligo sites were selected in each participant. One site was treated with a single session of autologous nanofat injection followed by NB-UVB phototherapy, while the other comparable site received NB-UVB phototherapy alone.

NB-UVB phototherapy was administered three times weekly for 3 months to both treatment sites according to the study protocol. The nanofat-treated site received a single session of autologous nanofat injection before the course of NB-UVB phototherapy.

Treatment response was assessed by standardized clinical examination and serial standardized digital photographs. Photographic assessments were performed by an independent dermatologist who was blinded to the treatment allocation of the sites.

The primary efficacy assessment was based on the onset and degree of repigmentation of the treated vitiligo lesions. The percentage of repigmentation was assessed by comparison with the baseline appearance and standardized photographic documentation.

Patient satisfaction with treatment was assessed during follow-up using a predefined satisfaction scale. Treatment-related adverse effects and local or systemic reactions were recorded throughout the study period.

The study was designed to determine whether adding a single session of autologous nanofat injection to NB-UVB phototherapy provided greater or faster repigmentation than NB-UVB phototherapy alone in patients with stable vitiligo.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Male or female patients.
• Patients with clinically diagnosed stable vitiligo.
• Presence of comparable vitiligo sites suitable for the split-site study design.
• Ability to undergo autologous nanofat harvesting and injection.
• Ability and willingness to undergo NB-UVB phototherapy three times weekly for 3 months.
• Ability to comply with study follow-up and assessment procedures.
• Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Active or progressive vitiligo.
• Active infection or inflammation at the treatment sites.
• Significant uncontrolled systemic disease that could interfere with treatment or assessment.
• Contraindication to NB-UVB phototherapy.
• Contraindication to the nanofat harvesting or injection procedure.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, if this was an exclusion criterion in your protocol.
• Previous treatment of the selected study sites that could interfere with assessment.
• Inability to comply with the study protocol or follow-up.
• Any condition considered by the investigator to interfere with the safety or assessment of the study.