[UVA1 phototherapy. Pilot study of dose finding in acute exacerbated atopic dermatitis]

UVA1 phototherapy is an new effective treatment modality for acute atopic dermatitis (AD). However there is still some controversy about the optimal UVA1 single and cumulative dose.

We compared in a randomized, controlled, prospective pilot study the efficacy of a therapy with 15 treatments of a "high dose" (max. single dose of 130 J/cm2, max. cumulative dose 1840 J/cm2), "medium dose" (max. single dose of 65 J/cm2, max. cumulative dose 975 J/cm2) or "low dose" (max. single dose of 20 J/cm2, max. cumulative dose 300 J/cm2) UVA1 in patients with acutely exacerbated atopic dermatitis (SCORAD > 30). After determination of the IPD, patients randomized into one of the three treatment arms. The patients received 15 treatments (5 times per week) without any additional therapy except for topical skin care.

After 15 treatments the "high dose" and "medium dose" groups showed a statistically significant reduction of the SCORAD. No significant reduction of the SCORAD was observed in the "low dose" group. All three treatment arms displayed no statistically significant changes in the IgE and ECP levels and in the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood. The UVA1 therapy was well tolerated by all patients. No side effects were observed.

This study suggests that both the "high dose" and the "medium dose" regimens are effective in the treatment of patients with acutely exacerbated atopic dermatitis.