The study of thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with quality of life in Vitiligo Subjects

ABSTRACTVitiligo is an acquired or inherited skin and hair depigmentation disorder, caused by theselective destruction of melanocytes or pigment cells, affecting 0.5 – 2% populationworldwide. Vitiligo patients tend to have poorer quality of life & depressive symptoms.Moreover, the association of vitiligo with autoimmune conditions of another organ are wellevident. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the correlation between vitiligo and thyroiddysfunction along with the psychological impact on the patient.A prospective study was carried out with 65 diagnosed vitiligo subjects after applying inclusionand exclusion criteria. Detailed demographic and medical history was noted down for all thesubjects & biochemical parameters Tri-iodothyronine, Thyroxine & Thyroid stimulatinghormone were estimated by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method on autoanalyzer.Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was also filled by the enrolled subjects.Statistical analysis was done with the help of IBM SPSS statistical software, version 25.Out of 65 vitiligo subjects, 15 showed an abnormal thyroid profile. Significantly elevated levelof TSH & decrease level of T4 was observed in vitiligo subjects with thyroid dysfunction,along with higher DLQI score. Pearson’s correlation showed significant positive correlationbetween DLQI score & TSH, whereas T3, T4 were significantly negatively correlated withvitiligo subjects having thyroid dysfunction.Vitiligo often precedes thyroid dysfunction, so patients with vitiligo should be monitored on regular intervals to detect thyroid abnormality and managed. As young population is affectedmore, Quality of Life should be considered as a key outcome in treatment of vitiligo patients.