Psoralen-narrowband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo in comparison to narrowband UVB alone.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The potential of psoralen-narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) photochemotherapy has been investigated in vitiligo. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of psoralen-NBUVB (P-NBUVB) vs. NBUVB in vitiligo.

METHODS:

In a randomized study, 45 Indian patients (age above 13 years) with vitiligo involving more than 5% body surface area were randomly allocated to receive either NBUVB or P-NBUVB treatment. Both groups received NBUVB exposure thrice weekly, with a total of 60 sessions. The extent of repigmentation achieved was calculated on the basis of Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) scoring.

RESULTS:

Forty patients were available for analysis at the end of the study. The extent of repigmentation in the P-NBUVB group was statistically significantly greater in face and neck (P = 0.006, t-test) and hands (P = 0.007, t-test) in comparison with the NBUVB group (t-test). Percentage reduction in VASI scores was statistically significantly greater in the P-NBUVB group (29.2% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.043, t-test). The response to P-NBUVB therapy started earlier than the response to NBUVB. After excluding sunlight as a confounding factor, treatment response was also significantly better in the P-NBUVB group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION:

Addition of psoralen increased the extent of repigmentation due to NBUVB therapy in vitiligo. Further studies are required to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of P-NBUVB.

• Authors: Shivani Bansal, Bijaylaxmi Sahoo, Vijay Garg
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 29 Issue 6 Pg. 311-7 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1600-0781 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24118425 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Ficusin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Ficusin (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy
• Photosensitizing Agents (administration & dosage)
• Skin Pigmentation (drug effects, radiation effects)
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Vitiligo (drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)