Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy improves quality of life of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients up to 3 months: Results from an observational multicenter study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:

Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, but evidence of its actual effect in clinical setting is sparse. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and costs of narrowband UVB phototherapy in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in clinical setting.

METHODS:

We observed 207 psoriasis patients and 144 atopic dermatitis patients in eight centers. SAPASI, PO-SCORAD, and VAS measures were used at baseline, at the end, and 3 months after the narrowband UVB phototherapy course. Quality of life was measured using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and costs were assessed using a questionnaire.

RESULTS:

In both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the DLQI and Self-Administrated PASI (SAPASI)/Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) improved significantly and the results remained improved for at least 3 months in both groups. Alleviation of pruritus correlated with better quality of life in both patient groups. We reported slight redness and burning side effects which were due to lack of MED testing. Self-administered tools proved to be useful in evaluating pruritus and severity of the disease in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Mean patient costs were 310 € and 21 hours of time, and mean costs for the healthcare provider were 810 €.

CONCLUSION:

In psoriasis, narrowband UVB is a very efficient treatment in clinical setting, whereas in atopic dermatitis, more studies are needed to determine the best dosage.

• Authors: Liisa Väkevä, Sirkka Niemelä, Meri Lauha, Rafael Pasternack, Anna Hannuksela-Svahn, Anna Hjerppe, Adrienn Joensuu, Minna Soronen, Lasse Ylianttila, Riikka Pastila, Hannu Kautiainen, Erna Snellman, Mari Grönroos, Toni Karppinen
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 35 Issue 5 Pg. 332-338 (Sep 2019) ISSN: 1600-0781 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31063610 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
• Copyright: © 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Costs and Cost Analysis
• Dermatitis, Atopic (economics, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pruritus (economics, prevention & control)
• Psoriasis (economics, therapy)
• Quality of Life
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Ultraviolet Therapy (economics)