Difference in clinical features and HLA antigens between familial and non-familial vitiligo of non-segmental type.

Of 131 patients with non-segmental vitiligo studied, 29 (22%) had a family history of this disorder. The clinical features and HLA antigens were assessed, and a comparison made between patients with familial and those with non-familial, non-segmental vitiligo. Familial patients developed skin lesions significantly earlier than non-familial patients. There was a significant association between HLA-B46 and familial non-segmental vitiligo, whereas HLA-A31 and CW4 were found in non-familial patients. The differences in clinical features and HLA phenotypes suggest heterogeneity in the pathogenic process between familial and non-familial vitiligo patients.