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PUVA-induced phototoxicity: incidence and causes
W L Morison1, S Marwaha, L Beck
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Background:
Phototoxicity is the most significant short-term adverse effect of PUVA therapy.
Objective:
We attempted to determine the incidence and possible causes of phototoxicity of sufficient degree to cause interruption of treatment.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted of 16,506 PUVA treatments given to 414 patients in two treatment centers.
Results:
Phototoxicity occurred in 10.9% of patients and was an adverse effect in 0.3% of treatments. Problems with the treatment protocol were the main cause.
Conclusion:
Phototoxicity is a common adverse effect, and patients should be warned of this potential occurrence. Awareness of the causes may help to reduce the incidence of this problem.