Narrow-band UVB treatment of vitiligo in Chinese.
Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy has recently been reported to be an effective and safe treatment modality for vitiligo. In the present report, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of NBUVB therapy for vitiligo in Chinese patients. Seventy-two vitiligo patients treated from 2000 to 2003, were included retrospectively (male: female=33:39, mean age: 38.5). Among them, 61 were non-segmental type and 11 the segmental type. Treatments were given two to three times a week for a maximum period of one year with an initial dose of 0.2 J/cm2 and a 0-20% increment each session (mean accumulation dose: 155.3 J/cm2). Computer image analysis by Supervise classification was used to estimate the area of vitiligo involvement before and after treatment. An excellent response (75-100% area of repigmentation) was obtained in 9 patients (12.5%) and a good response (50-75%) in 24 (33.3%), a moderate response (25-50%) in 20 (27.8%), and a poor response (0-25%) in 19 (26.4%). In summary, 45.8% of our patients had more than 50% repigmentation. Burns were a side effect in 5 patients (7%) and transient erythema with itching or xerosis was noted in 5 patients (7%). These results indicate that NBUVB phototherapy is an effective and safe treatment choice for generalized vitiligo.
Chen
Guan-Yu
GY
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
Hsu
M Ming-Long
MM
Tai
Han-Kuo
HK
Chou
Tzu-Chieh
TC
Tseng
Ching-Liang
CL
Chang
Ho-Yuan
HY
Lan
Cheng-Che Eric
CC
Sheu
Hamm-Ming
HM
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*