Epidemiology of Vitiligo, Associated Autoimmune Diseases, and Audiological Abnormalities: Ankara Study of 80 Patients in Turkey

The study investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics, laboratory findings, and auditory abnormalities in 80 vitiligo patients in Turkey. The cohort consisted of 30 men and 50 women, with a mean age of 37 years and a mean onset age of 10 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common type. Fifty-five percent of patients had associated autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto thyroiditis, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, and diabetes mellitus. Significant changes in human leukocyte antigen were noted. Auditory problems were observed in 37.7% of patients, with some experiencing unilateral or bilateral hearing loss. The study concluded that vitiligo is part of a systemic autoimmune process and recommended audiological examinations for all patients due to the common presence of hypoacusis.