The genetics of vitiligo.

The genetics of vitiligo has been studied in 150 probands and their families. A familial concentration of the disease has been demonstrated which supports the concept that hereditary factors contribute to the etiology of vitiligo. Segregation analysis was not consistent with inheritance at a single autosomal or x-linked locus. Further analysis suggested that vitiligo is determined by multifactorial inheritance. An estimate of heritability of liability was found to be 72.4%, indicating that genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology.