A comparison of three times vs. five times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Type:Uv phototherapy   Time:2014-12-17 15:05:09
A comparison of three times vs. five times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque 

psoriasis.
Hallaji Z1, Barzegari M, Balighi K, Mansoori P, Taheri A, Mansoori P.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis.
OBJECTIVES:
To compare the effects of three and five times weekly NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
METHODS:
Sixty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were allocated to receive three or five times weekly NB-UVB, starting at 

low dose.
RESULTS:
Among the patients who completed the study, clearance was achieved in 18 out of 23 patients (78%) in the three times weekly 

group and in 15 out of 22 patients (68%) in the five times weekly group. The difference was not statistically significant 

(P=0.44). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of treatments (P=0.95), 

cumulative UVB dose (P=0.51), and rate of side-effects. Length of the treatment period was significantly shorter in the five 

times weekly group (P<0.001). At the end of treatment, the mean psoriasis area and severity index score was lower in the 

three times weekly group (P=0.02).
CONCLUSIONS:
We recommend three times weekly NB-UVB for chronic plaque psoriasis; however, the more rapid clearance of psoriasis with five 

times weekly phototherapy may justify using this method in some patients.
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