Low-dose UVA phototherapy for treatment of localized scleroderma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

For treatment of localized scleroderma numerous treatments, including ones with potentially hazardous side effects, are currently used with only limited success.

OBJECTIVE:

We attempted to determine the efficacy of low-dose UVA1 irradiation in patients with severe localized scleroderma.

METHODS:

Patients were irradiated with 20 J/cm2 UVA1 for 12 weeks (total number of treatments: 30; cumulative UVA1 dose: 600 J/cm2).

RESULTS:

Low-dose UVA1 irradiation induced significant clinical improvement (clearance of > 80% of lesions) in 18 of 20 patients. Clearance was documented by clinical score as well as by 20 MHz ultrasound and histopathologic analysis.

CONCLUSION:

Low-dose UVA1 phototherapy can be highly effective for sclerotic plaques, even in patients with advanced localized scleroderma and with lesions rapidly evolving despite conventional therapy.

• Authors: M Kerscher, M Volkenandt, C Gruss, T Reuther, G von Kobyletzki, M Freitag, T Dirschka, P Altmeyer
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 38 Issue 1 Pg. 21-6 (Jan 1998) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9448200 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Biopsy
• Child
• Dose Fractionation, Radiation
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiotherapy Dosage
• Remission Induction
• Scleroderma, Localized (diagnostic imaging, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin (diagnostic imaging, pathology, radiation effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography
• Ultraviolet Therapy (instrumentation, methods)