A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of pseudocatalase cream and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Pseudocatalase cream in conjunction with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has previously been reported to result in repigmentation of vitiliginous skin.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-centre trial was to assess the efficacy of pseudocatalase cream and NB-UVB vs. placebo and NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo.


METHODS
Patients with active vitiligo on their face and/or hands applied either pseudocatalase cream or placebo to their whole body, twice daily for 24 weeks. NB-UVB therapy was administered three times a week for the duration of the trial. Efficacy was assessed primarily by digital image analysis of photographs.


RESULTS
Thirty-two patients were randomized to either the pseudocatalase arm (n = 14) or placebo (n = 18). Between-group analysis did not show a statistically significant improvement in percentage area affected in the pseudocatalase cream group when compared with placebo. However, a statistically significant improvement was found within each group by week 12, which was maintained throughout the study.


CONCLUSIONS
NB-UVB treatment is a moderately effective treatment for vitiligo. Pseudocatalase cream does not appear to add any incremental benefit to NB-UVB alone.
Bakis-Petsoglou
S
S
Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia. sophiebakis@optusnet.com.au
Le Guay
J L
JL
Wittal
R
R
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002374:Catalase / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C038109:pseudocatalase; D002374:Catalase