Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for patients with refractory uraemic pruritus: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pruritus is very common in uraemic patients, but the treatment remains challenging. Studies regarding narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy for uraemic pruritus are rare.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate whether or not NB-UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment for uraemic pruritus.

METHODS:

We conducted a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial for patients with refractory uraemic pruritus. The treatment group received NB-UVB phototherapy three times per week for 6 weeks. The dose of NB-UVB started from 210 mJ cm(-2) and was increased by 10% each time. The control group received time-matched exposures to long-wave UVA radiation. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score was evaluated weekly for pruritus intensity for 12 weeks. The characteristics of pruritus were also assessed by a questionnaire at baseline and after 6 weeks of phototherapy.

RESULTS:

Both the NB-UVB and control groups had significant and comparable improvement in the pruritus intensity VAS scores during the period of phototherapy and follow-up. Compared with the control group, the NB-UVB group showed a significant improvement in the involved body surface area affected by pruritus (P = 0·006), but not in sleep quality. More detailed regression and estimating analysis revealed that the patients in the NB-UVB group had lower pruritus intensity scores at week 6, week 10 and week 12. This may indicate a beneficial difference at certain time points, but the effect seems marginal.

CONCLUSIONS:

NB-UVB phototherapy does not show a significant effect in reducing pruritus intensity compared with a control group for refractory uraemic pruritus. Further studies are warranted.

• Authors: M-J Ko, J-Y Yang, H-Y Wu, F-C Hu, S-I Chen, P-J Tsai, S-H Jee, H-C Chiu
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 165 Issue 3 Pg. 633-9 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1365-2133 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21668425 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2011 The Authors. BJD © 2011 British Association of Dermatologists.

Topics

• Aged
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pruritus (complications, radiotherapy)
• Single-Blind Method
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy (methods)
• Uremia (complications)