Evaluation of narrow-band UVB phototherapy in 150 patients with vitiligo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Very few studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy in Indian patients with vitiligo and are of small sample size.

AIMS:

The purpose of this study is to know the efficacy and safety of NBUVB in 150 vitiligo patients of various age groups.

METHODS:

One hundred fifty patients (69 males, 81 females), aged 3-70 years, with vitiligo were treated twice weekly with NBUVB. The starting dose was 250 mJ/cm2 in adults and 150 mJ/cm2 in children, with 20% dose increments at each subsequent visit given for a maximum period of 1 year and were followed-up for 6 months for stability of repigmentation. Statistical methods were employed to establish the relation between the response and the number of exposures, duration of treatment, cumulative dose and the compliance.

RESULTS:

Analysis of our study showed that a majority of our cases, about 73, achieved 25-75% repigmentation, with an average of 51+/-19 exposures, 51 had <25% repigmentation, with an average of 19+/-11 exposures and 26 had >75% repigmentation, with an average of 74+/-24 exposures. Good response to therapy was directly associated with good compliance, more number of exposures and increasing cumulative dose, which was statistically significant (P<0.01). Adverse effects were minimal. Only three patients developed depigmentation of repigmented sites during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Our study proves that NBUVB therapy is an effective and safe tool in the management of vitiligo, with good stability of repigmentation and cosmetic appearance.

• Authors: Y Hari Kishan Kumar, G Raghu Rama Rao, K V T Gopal, G Shanti, K Veerabhadra Rao
• Journal: Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology (Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol) 2009 Mar-Apr Vol. 75 Issue 2 Pg. 162-6 ISSN: 0973-3922 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19293504 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Ultraviolet Therapy (methods, standards)
• Vitiligo (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Young Adult