Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign granulomatous and inflammatory skin disorder. The pathogenesis remains enigmatic and convincingly effective treatment options are not available. Inspired by a report showing photodynamic therapy ( PDT) to be effective in a single patient with GA, we sought to evaluate this benefit in a series of patients with GA. OBSERVATIONS:
PDT was performed in 7 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed GA located at the extremities. First, 20% ALA gel was applied under an occlusive dressing for 5 h, followed by illumination with 100 J/cm(2) by a standard red-light source. In total, 2-3 PDT sessions were performed, with an interval of 2-4 weeks between each session. Treatment was stopped when complete remission was achieved or when GA lesions remained unchanged after 2 consecutive PDT sessions. The overall response rate was 57%. In 2 patients (29%), GA cleared completely, in 2 patients (29%) the skin lesions improved markedly and in 3 patients (43%) no clinical response could be observed. CONCLUSION: These promising results should be evaluated in larger controlled studies. In selected patients, PDT might be a valuable recruit for the sparse armory available to treat GA.
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Authors | Peter Weisenseel, Alexander Vasilevic Kuznetsov, Sonja Molin, Thomas Ruzicka, Carola Berking, Joerg Christoph Prinz |
Journal | Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
(Dermatology)
Vol. 217
Issue 4
Pg. 329-32
( 2008)
ISSN: 1421-9832 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 18799877
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Photosensitizing Agents
- Aminolevulinic Acid
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Topics |
- Administration, Cutaneous
- Aged
- Aminolevulinic Acid
(administration & dosage)
- Elbow
- Female
- Granuloma Annulare
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Hand
- Humans
- Leg
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Photochemotherapy
(methods)
- Photosensitizing Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Treatment Outcome
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