Narrow band UVB (311 nm) phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy: a combination.

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2017-10-20 9:09:53

BACKGROUND:

Psoralen-UVA (PUVA) photochemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis despite concerns of skin

carcinogenesis from high cumulative UVA doses and number of treatments.

OBJECTIVE:

We attempted to determine whether combined bath-PUVA with narrow-band (311 nm) phototherapy improves efficacy and

reduces long-term toxicity.

METHODS:

Twelve psoriatic patients underwent phototesting with 311 nm lamps and, after topical bath-water psoralen

sensitization, with 311 nm, UVA, or both radiations. Patients were treated with bath-PUVA on one side of the body and

with bath-PUVA plus 311 nm exposures (bath-PUVA-311 nm) on the other side. On both sides, four weekly treatments were

delivered and UVA doses were increased once weekly whereas 311 nm doses were adjusted at each exposure.

RESULTS:

Psoralen sensitization did not modify the erythematous threshold to 311 nm radiation. However, 311 nm exposures

enhanced the phototoxic activity of bath-PUVA. Bath-PUVA-311 nm cleared psoriasis with fewer exposures and lower

cumulative UVA doses under the same minimally erythemogenic conditions.

CONCLUSION:

Combination with 311 nm exposures enhanced the phototoxic and therapeutic activities of bath-PUVA

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