Clinical efficacy of narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis. An open pilot study.
BACKGROUND
For UVB, the most effective wavelength in clearing psoriatic lesions was found to be of 313 nm. The efficacy of whole body exposure to narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis has not been evaluated to date.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of phototherapy with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) and dithranol for psoriasis by means of whole body exposures and analysis of the mean cumulative irradiation dose.


METHODS
In this open pilot study, 13 patients were treated for 4-5 weeks. Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy was performed by comparing the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was also calculated.


RESULTS
Evaluation of the PASI scores showed a significant overall reduction of psoriatic lesions after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was similar or lower to those found for phototherapy with narrow-band UVB alone.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with widespread psoriasis, treatment with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol is safe and effective, allowing reduction of the cumulative irradiation dose.
Carrozza
P
P
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. carrozza@gmx.net
Häusermann
P
P
Nestle
F O
FO
Burg
G
G
Böni
R
R
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000875:Anthralin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000875:Anthralin