Comparison of the efficacy of Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and Tacrolimus 0.1% plus topical pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase gel in children with limited vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial

Background: The pathogenesis of vitiligo is complex and multifactorial, accumulating evidence of increased oxidative stress and reduction in catalase levels in vitiligo patients has been shown, hence, pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase (PSD) gel has been used as treatment option for vitiligo. Aim: To assesses the synergic effect of PSD when combines with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment versus Tacrolimus 0.1% alone. Method: A randomized controlled trial that included 49 children with vitiligo with limited area (10% or less). Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (24 patients) were treated only with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment whereas Group 2 (25 patients) were treated with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment plus PSD. Degree of repigmentation compared to baseline was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months. Results: The median age was 10.05 years (range 2-18). The percentages of pigmentation on 3, 6, and 9 months for Group 1 were 23.9%, 40.4%, and 60%, respectively and for Group 2 were 23.2%, 40.7%, and 62.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference according to repigmentation percentages between the two groups (p > .86, p > .97, and p > .78, respectively). Conclusions: The results showed that the addition of PSD to Tacrolimus ointment in children with limited vitiligo was not associated with any therapeutic benefit.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the synergic effect of pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase (PSD) gel when combined with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment versus Tacrolimus 0.1% alone for the treatment of vitiligo. The results showed that adding PSD to Tacrolimus ointment did not provide any additional therapeutic benefit in children with limited vitiligo.