Effectiveness of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: a report of 5 cases.

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa has been described as a chronic, recurrent, and disabling inflammatory disease involving the entire hair follicle. Several treatments, including photodynamic therapy, have been used, but the results have been inconsistent and recurrence is high. In this prospective study, we evaluated disease severity, quality of life, and treatment tolerance in 5 patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa treated with photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid and a 635-nm light source. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the Sartorius severity score, the Dermatology Life Quality Index, and a visual analog scale for pain and disease activity. Significant improvements were observed with all 3 instruments and the effects remained visible at 8 weeks. Our results suggest that photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and a light wavelength of 635 nm could reduce disease severity and improve quality of life in patients with difficult-to-treat hidradenitis suppurativa.

• Authors: R Andino Navarrete, A Hasson Nisis, J Parra Cares
• Journal: Actas dermo-sifiliograficas (Actas Dermosifiliogr) 2014 Jul-Aug Vol. 105 Issue 6 Pg. 614-7 ISSN: 1578-2190 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 24472519 (Publication Type: Clinical Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEDV. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Adult
• Aminolevulinic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Photochemotherapy
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome