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Treatment of psoriasis with polyethylene sheet bath PUVA
V Streit1, O Wiedow, E Christophers
1Department of Dermatology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
Background:
Bath PUVA has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis with fewer systemic side effects than oral methoxsalen (8-MOP). The cost of 8-MOP and the need for a bath unit have prevented wider use of this treatment.
Objective:
We investigated the safety and efficacy of sheet bath PUVA by restricting the volume of the psoralen/bath water solution to 10 L with the aid of a polyethylene sheet.
Methods:
Fifty-eight patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with bath PUVA in a concentration of 0.5 mg of 8-MOP per liter of water.
Results:
The group required a median of 17 baths (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-20) for clearance. Total UVA dose for the entire group was 26 J/cm2(95% CI, 18-47).
Conclusion:
Sheet bath PUVA is safe, efficient, and easy. This regimen can significantly reduce the amount of 8-MOP required, thereby resulting in a favorable cost/benefit ratio.
Insights
Sheet bath PUVA offers a safe and effective psoriasis treatment, reducing medication costs. This method uses less 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and a simpler bath unit for improved patient access.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
- Psoriasis Treatment
Background:
- Bath PUVA is an effective psoriasis treatment with fewer side effects than oral methoxsalen (8-MOP).
- Wider adoption of bath PUVA is limited by 8-MOP cost and specialized equipment requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel sheet bath PUVA technique.
- To reduce the volume of psoralen/bath water solution to 10 L using a polyethylene sheet.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight patients with chronic plaque psoriasis participated.
- Treatment involved bath PUVA with 0.5 mg of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) per liter of water.
- A polyethylene sheet was used to restrict the solution volume.
Main Results:
- A median of 17 baths were required for patient clearance (95% CI, 14-20).
- The total UVA dose administered was 26 J/cm2 (95% CI, 18-47).
Conclusions:
- Sheet bath PUVA is a safe, efficient, and user-friendly treatment modality.
- This method significantly decreases the required 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) dosage.
- Sheet bath PUVA presents a favorable cost-benefit ratio for psoriasis management.