Treatment of uremic pruritus with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy: an open pilot study.

Abstract

We report the results of a pilot study of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of 20 patients with uremic pruritus. Ten patients completed the 6-week study period. A total of 8 patients were found to be responders. Of the remaining 10 patients who left the study before 6 weeks, 6 were satisfied with the response. In the follow-up period, 7 responders could be examined, and 3 were in remission 6 months after completing treatment. However, pruritus recurred in the remaining 4 responders. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with uremic pruritus. Recurrence of pruritus, however, is a frequent problem.

• Authors: Simin Ada, Deniz Seçkin, Irem Budakoğlu, Fatma Nurhan Ozdemir
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 53 Issue 1 Pg. 149-51 (Jul 2005) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 15965439 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Pruritus (etiology, therapy)
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Uremia (complications)