Psoralen and ultraviolet A in the treatment of granuloma annulare.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, usually self-limiting disease. Lesions may be localized or generalized with a tendency for generalized disease to follow a chronic course. There is evidence to support psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) in the treatment of GA, but little data on long-term benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PUVA in the treatment of GA, and to establish clearance and remission rates.

METHODS:

We carried out a retrospective study of patients with generalized GA treated with PUVA over 13 years. Data were collected from case notes and a phototherapy database. On completion of treatment, outcome was assessed as clear, good improvement, moderate improvement and poor outcome. Follow-up data were obtained for patients who had cleared using a postal questionnaire in addition to clinic notes.

RESULTS:

Fifty per cent of courses resulted in clearance of disease, 16% in good improvement, 25% had moderate benefit and 9% had a poor outcome. Of the patients that cleared, 79% remained in remission at 6 months but only 32% were still clear 12 months following treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings show clearance or good improvement of generalized GA in 66% of cases. Prolonged remission, however, occurred in less than a third of patients.

• Authors: Fiona Browne, David Turner, Victoria Goulden
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. 81-4 (Apr 2011) ISSN: 1600-0781 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21392110 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Chemical References

• Furocoumarins

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Furocoumarins (therapeutic use)
• Granuloma Annulare (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Rays