Clinical efficacy of narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis. An open pilot study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

For UVB, the most effective wavelength in clearing psoriatic lesions was found to be of 313 nm. The efficacy of whole body exposure to narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis has not been evaluated to date.

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of phototherapy with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) and dithranol for psoriasis by means of whole body exposures and analysis of the mean cumulative irradiation dose.

METHODS:

In this open pilot study, 13 patients were treated for 4-5 weeks. Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy was performed by comparing the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was also calculated.

RESULTS:

Evaluation of the PASI scores showed a significant overall reduction of psoriatic lesions after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was similar or lower to those found for phototherapy with narrow-band UVB alone.

DISCUSSION:

In patients with widespread psoriasis, treatment with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol is safe and effective, allowing reduction of the cumulative irradiation dose.

• Authors: P Carrozza, P Häusermann, F O Nestle, G Burg, R Böni
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 200 Issue 1 Pg. 35-9 ( 2000) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 10681611 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright (R) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Anthralin

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Anthralin (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Radiotherapy Dosage
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin (drug effects, pathology, radiation effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Whole-Body Irradiation