Targeted UV-B phototherapy for plaque-type psoriasis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether targeted UV-B phototherapy is efficacious and safe in the treatment of localized psoriasis and whether there is a dose-response relationship.


METHODS
Randomized, evaluator-blind, controlled study.


METHODS
Dermatology clinic in a large university-based hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with stable, localized, plaque-type psoriasis.


METHODS
Patients were randomized to receive different fluences of targeted UV-B phototherapy 3 times weekly based on predetermined minimal erythema doses (MEDs). Treatment fluences were constant throughout the study period of 4 weeks. Follow-up was carried out until lesions returned to original state.


METHODS
Modified psoriasis area and severity index.


RESULTS
All fluences of UV-B produced some clinical improvement and were very well tolerated. Fluences ranging from 1 to 6 multiples of MEDs resulted in clearance of lesions in some patients with 6 MEDs producing clearance in 77% of patients. The number of treatments required to clear psoriatic lesions when 2 to 6 MEDs were used was 5.0 to 6.1 treatments. The only adverse events observed were erythema, which was asymptomatic in most subjects, and hyperpigmentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Incoherent, targeted UV-B phototherapy is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for localized psoriasis. Its value in other UV-B responsive conditions should be further investigated.
Asawanonda
Pravit
P
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Rama 4 Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. pravit@adsl.loxinfo.com
Chingchai
Akkrawat
A
Torranin
Pawinee
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013785:Thailand; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy