BackgroundNarrow-band UVB is the most innovative steroid sparing treatment in atopic
dermatitis. There are studies showing efficacy of Narrow-band UVB in
childhood atopic dermatitis, but there is lack of clinical trials in the
literature determining the length of remission. Therefore, we sought to
highlight its efficacy, safety and its post-treatment efficacy in childhood
atopic dermatitis.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy, safety of Narrow-band UVB in the treatment
of paediatric atopic dermatitis and length of remission during 2 years of
post-treatment follow-up.MethodsThirty children (4-14 years) having moderate to severe AD (SCORAD index >
25) were enrolled for 12 weeks. Narrow-band UVB phototherapy was
administered twice a week on non-consecutive days for three months. SCORAD
index was calculated by the same dermatologist at baseline, 6th, 12th, 18th
and 24th treatment session. Secondary outcomes were measured using visual
analog scale for pruritus and sleep loss. Patients were also followed-up for
2 years to know the length of remission after end of therapy.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in SCORAD index at 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th
treatment session in comparison to baseline. This improvement in SCORAD was
also maintained during the 2 years of post-treatment follow-up period.
Consequently, pruritus and sleep loss improved significantly from baseline
to end of therapy and even during the 1st and 2nd year of follow-up.Study limitationOpen-label trial without control group.ConclusionsNarrow-band UVB is an efficacious and safe modality of treatment in childhood
atopic dermatitis with good therapeutic index and minimal side effects.
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