Psoralen-narrowband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo in comparison to narrowband UVB alone. Bansal S1, Sahoo B, Garg V.

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2014-11-20 15:44:27

Psoralen-narrowband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo in comparison to narrowband UVB alone.

Bansal S1, Sahoo B, Garg V.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The potential of psoralen-narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) photochemotherapy has been investigated in vitiligo. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of psoralen-NBUVB (P-NBUVB) vs. NBUVB in vitiligo.

METHODS:

In a randomized study, 45 Indian patients (age above 13 years) with vitiligo involving more than 5% body surface area were randomly allocated to receive either NBUVB or P-NBUVB treatment. Both groups received NBUVB exposure thrice weekly, with a total of 60 sessions. The extent of repigmentation achieved was calculated on the basis of Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) scoring.

RESULTS:

Forty patients were available for analysis at the end of the study. The extent of repigmentation in the P-NBUVB group was statistically significantly greater in face and neck (P = 0.006, t-test) and hands (P = 0.007, t-test) in comparison with the NBUVB group (t-test). Percentage reduction in VASI scores was statistically significantly greater in the P-NBUVB group (29.2% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.043, t-test). The response to P-NBUVB therapy started earlier than the response to NBUVB. After excluding sunlight as a confounding factor, treatment response was also significantly better in the P-NBUVB group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION:

Addition of psoralen increased the extent of repigmentation due to NBUVB therapy in vitiligo. Further studies are required to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of P-NBUVB.

KEYWORDS:

NBUVB; psoralen-NBUVB; vitiligo

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