Patient reported outcomes for intensified versus conventional NB-UVB treatment in non-segmental vitiligo

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) remains a challenge. Efficacy of NB-UVB treatment may increase with more frequent use or in combination with topical agents. Currently, data on the most effective treatment regimen lacking. Our objective is to retrospectively compare NB-UVB treatment regimens for non-segmental vitiligo. Methods: Patients with NSV treated with NB-UVB therapy were included in two time periods. Group I received NB-UVB therapy twice a week (conventional treatment) and group II received NB-UVB thrice a week, combined with topical agents (intensified treatment). Patients completed a questionnaire regarding the degree and onset of repigmentation, satisfaction and side effects. Results: Repigmentation scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. Onset of repigmentation in the first three months seemed higher in group II, but this difference was not significant (23.4% vs 51.1%; p ¼ .11). In both groups the majority of the patients were moderately to very satisfied (group I: 70.2% group II: 73.3%). The occurrence of adverse effects was comparable.Conclusions: This study indicates that conventional and intensified treatment for NSV seem to be comparable. The intensified treatment might be more effective to speed up the onset of repigmentation, but larger prospective studies are needed to objectify these findings. ARTICLE HISTORY

Efficacy of narrow band UVB with or without OMP in stabilization of vitiligo activity in skin photo‐types (III–V): A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, prospective, multicenter study

“…27 Meanwhile in the NB-placebo group, patients receiving NB-UVB sessions twice weekly showed earlier onset of longest duration of ceased activity compared to those receiving 3 sessions per week. This, in turn, suggests that both regimens work as reported by Uitentuis et al 43 We hypothesize that lower oxidative stress with a more balanced oxidant/ antioxidant milieu could have contributed to such results,…”

An Update on Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

“…A retrospective cohort of 109 patients compared twice-weekly NB-UVB therapy to a more intensified thriceweekly treatment of NB-UVB therapy along with topical fluticasone propionate and/or tacrolimus [10].…”

“…A retrospective cohort of 109 patients compared twice-weekly NB-UVB therapy to a more intensified thrice-weekly treatment of NB-UVB therapy along with topical fluticasone propionate and/or tacrolimus [ 10 ]. Results showed both treatment groups demonstrated similar results, with a faster onset of repigmentation seen in the combination group.…”

NB‐UVB irradiation attenuates inflammatory response in psoriasis

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