Effect of photochemotherapy on the cardiovascular system

The effect of PUVA therapy on the cardiovascular system was studied in 2 groups of patients. The first group consisted of 9 otherwise healthy patients, who were treated without airconditioning. The second group was formed by 15 otherwise healthy psoriasis patients, who were treated with photochemotherapy, using airconditioning. In both groups the cabinet-skin and rectal temperature rose significantly. The most marked finding however was the rise in heart rate. By applying airconditioning, significantly smaller increases in the measured parameters occurred. In none of the patients changes in the electrocardiograms were observed. The effects on the cardiovascular system can evidently be limited by applying airconditioning and by keeping the time of light exposure as short as possible.