A randomised half body prospective study of low and medium dose regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser in the treatment of localised psoriasis.
This study compared two dose-escalation regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser treating localised plaque psoriasis, to determine the optimal regimen. A randomised, left-right body trial was designed including patients aged >18 years with localised plaque psoriasis (<10% body surface area). The standard/low dose regimen started at 70% of the minimal erythema dose (MED), with 20% dose increments. The medium dose regimen commenced at 200% MED, with 25% increments. Patients were treated until disease clearance or a maximum of 36 treatments. Fifteen patients aged 28-55 years completed the study. Psoriasis severity index scores analysed at weeks 0, 6 and 12 showed a significant reduction with each regimen (p < 0.0001). Six patients cleared, seven had significant improvement with uneven clearance of plaques and two failed. Average remission was four months (range 1-12 months). There was a significant reduction in DLQI (p = 0.014). Excimer laser improved psoriasis and reduced DLQI scores, but clearance was incomplete for many patients and remission was short-lived. Adverse effects of pain and blistering were commoner with the medium dose regimen, without any benefit in psoriasis clearance.
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Eleanor
E
Higgins
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Nicola
N
Ralph
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Sheila
S
Ryan
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Nicola
N
Koik
b Centre for Support and Training in Analysis and Research (CSTAR), Department of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.
Bahman
B
Honari
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Aoife
A
Lally
a The Charles Centre, Department of Dermatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland.
Paul
P
Collins
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Phototherapy; ultraviolet B treatment