Treatment of psoriasis with polyethylene sheet bath PUVA.
BACKGROUND
Bath PUVA has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis with fewer systemic side effects than oral methoxsalen (8-MOP). The cost of 8-MOP and the need for a bath unit have prevented wider use of this treatment.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the safety and efficacy of sheet bath PUVA by restricting the volume of the psoralen/bath water solution to 10 L with the aid of a polyethylene sheet.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with bath PUVA in a concentration of 0.5 mg of 8-MOP per liter of water.


RESULTS
The group required a median of 17 baths (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-20) for clearance. Total UVA dose for the entire group was 26 J/cm2(95% CI, 18-47).


CONCLUSIONS
Sheet bath PUVA is safe, efficient, and easy. This regimen can significantly reduce the amount of 8-MOP required, thereby resulting in a favorable cost/benefit ratio.
Streit
V
V
Department of Dermatology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
Wiedow
O
O
Christophers
E
E
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001494:Baths; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011829:Radiation Dosage
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011095:Polyethylenes; D008730:Methoxsalen