title: Medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy in localized scleroderma and its effect in CD34-positive dendritic cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  UVA1 radiation seems to be effective in morphea. CD34+ dendritic cells are significantly decreased in lesional skin of morphea patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy in localized scleroderma and its effect in the number of dermal CD34+ dendritic cells in skin biopsy specimens of these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were irradiated with UVA1 (30 J/cm(2)) 30 times. Dermal CD34+ dendritic cells were counted before and after therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was clinical improvement after UVA1 irradiation. Dermal CD34+ dendritic cells significantly increased after UVA1 irradiation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medium-dose UVA1 therapy is effective in the treatment of localized morphea. Effectiveness is associated with an increase in the number of CD34+ dendritic cells in the dermis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067.
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Camacho
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sánchez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000032:analysis; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy
chemical_list: D018952:Antigens, CD34