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Clinical efficacy of narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis. An open pilot study
P Carrozza1, P Häusermann, F O Nestle
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. carrozza@gmx.net
Background:
For UVB, the most effective wavelength in clearing psoriatic lesions was found to be of 313 nm. The efficacy of whole body exposure to narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol in psoriasis has not been evaluated to date.
Objective:
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of phototherapy with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) and dithranol for psoriasis by means of whole body exposures and analysis of the mean cumulative irradiation dose.
Methods:
In this open pilot study, 13 patients were treated for 4-5 weeks. Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy was performed by comparing the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was also calculated.
Results:
Evaluation of the PASI scores showed a significant overall reduction of psoriatic lesions after 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative irradiation dose was similar or lower to those found for phototherapy with narrow-band UVB alone.
Discussion:
In patients with widespread psoriasis, treatment with narrow-band UVB (311 nm) combined with dithranol is safe and effective, allowing reduction of the cumulative irradiation dose.