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Low-dose UVA phototherapy for treatment of localized scleroderma
M Kerscher1, M Volkenandt, C Gruss
1Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
Background:
For treatment of localized scleroderma numerous treatments, including ones with potentially hazardous side effects, are currently used with only limited success.
Objective:
We attempted to determine the efficacy of low-dose UVA1 irradiation in patients with severe localized scleroderma.
Methods:
Patients were irradiated with 20 J/cm2 UVA1 for 12 weeks (total number of treatments: 30; cumulative UVA1 dose: 600 J/cm2).
Results:
Low-dose UVA1 irradiation induced significant clinical improvement (clearance of > 80% of lesions) in 18 of 20 patients. Clearance was documented by clinical score as well as by 20 MHz ultrasound and histopathologic analysis.
Conclusion:
Low-dose UVA1 phototherapy can be highly effective for sclerotic plaques, even in patients with advanced localized scleroderma and with lesions rapidly evolving despite conventional therapy.