Medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy in localized scleroderma and its effect in CD34-positive dendritic cells.
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.
Camacho
N R
NR
Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067.
Sánchez
J E
JE
Martin
R F
RF
González
J R
JR
Sánchez
J L
JL
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
D018952:Antigens, CD34