A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of pseudocatalase cream and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pseudocatalase cream in conjunction with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has previously been reported to result in repigmentation of vitiliginous skin.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-centre trial was to assess the efficacy of pseudocatalase cream and NB-UVB vs. placebo and NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo.

METHODS:

Patients with active vitiligo on their face and/or hands applied either pseudocatalase cream or placebo to their whole body, twice daily for 24 weeks. NB-UVB therapy was administered three times a week for the duration of the trial. Efficacy was assessed primarily by digital image analysis of photographs.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two patients were randomized to either the pseudocatalase arm (n = 14) or placebo (n = 18). Between-group analysis did not show a statistically significant improvement in percentage area affected in the pseudocatalase cream group when compared with placebo. However, a statistically significant improvement was found within each group by week 12, which was maintained throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

NB-UVB treatment is a moderately effective treatment for vitiligo. Pseudocatalase cream does not appear to add any incremental benefit to NB-UVB alone.

• Authors: S Bakis-Petsoglou, J L Le Guay, R Wittal
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 161 Issue 4 Pg. 910-7 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1365-2133 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19523170 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• pseudocatalase
• Catalase

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aged
• Catalase (administration & dosage)
• Combined Modality Therapy (methods)
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin Pigmentation (drug effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy (methods)
• Vitiligo (drug therapy, therapy)