Triple-combination treatment with oral α-lipoic acid, betamethasone injection, and NB-UVB for non-segmental progressive vitiligo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disease with uncertain etiopathogenesis and the treatment modalities need to be consistently updated.

AIM:

To evaluate a triple-combination treatment with oral α-lipoic acid (ALA), betamethasone injection, and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) on vitiligo.

METHODS:

Patients with non-segmental and progressive vitiligo lesions were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group and the control group were respectively treated with oral ALA and placebo, in combination with betamethasone injection and NB-UVB. The effectiveness and adverse events were evaluated by investigators and patients before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

Fifty non-segmental progressive vitiligo patients were enrolled in the study. The treatment period was 6 months. In treatment group, over 40% patients achieved > 50% improvement and ≥ 5 satisfaction score by 3-month therapy (M3). This percentage increased to 90% at M6. Treatment group achieved better efficacy than control group at M3, while no difference was seen at M6.

CONCLUSION:

The combined treatment with oral ALA, betamethasone injection, and NB-UVB was effective and safe on non-segmental progressive vitiligo. ALA could accelerate the initial response of repigmentation.

• Authors: Li Li, Lu Li, Yan Wu, Xing-Hua Gao, Hong-Duo Chen
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology (J Cosmet Laser Ther) Vol. 18 Issue 3 Pg. 182-5 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 1476-4180 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26735264 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Aminolevulinic Acid
• Betamethasone

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Aminolevulinic Acid (administration & dosage)
• Betamethasone (administration & dosage)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy (methods)
• Vitiligo (drug therapy, therapy)