Thyroid Dysfunctions in Sudanese Patients with Vitiligo

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic acquired skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. The precise cause of vitiligo is not fully understood. The autoimmune base of the disease is supported by the frequent observation that several autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid diseases, are associated with vitiligo. Objective: To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunctions in Sudanese patients with vitiligo. Methods: Two groups, i.e. vitiligo patients and control, were collected with simple random collection. The control group included individuals free of vitiligo. 5 ml of venous blood was taken from every individual in both groups and the ELISA test was done for thyroid hormones, i.e. T-3, T-4 and TSH, using the DRG-USA kits. Results: The number of patients with vitiligo in the study was 46, while the control group was 45. Nine (19.56%) patients were found to have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones. No abnormal levels in the control group. Mean T-3 level in patients was 1.463ng/l, while in control group it was 1.467ng/l. Mean T-4 level in patients was 102.761 nmol/l, while in control group it was 90.844 nmol/l. Mean TSH level in patients was 0.841 mu IU/l, while in control group it was 1.50 mu IU/l. The t-test was done to determine the significance of difference between means of T-3, T-4, and TSH between the patients and control groups. The P-values were found to be significant. Conclusion: There is a strong pathogenetic relationship between vitiligo in Sudanese patients and thyroid dysfunctions.