The efficacy of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution combined with NB-UVB phototherapy in non-segmental and segmental vitiligo: a single-blind randomized controlled study

Abstract

Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (PGF2α analogues) combined with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) was reported to be an effective treatment for vitiligo. To investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment for non-segmental/segmental vitiligo compared among bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.01% combined with NB-UVB phototherapy, bimatoprost monotherapy, and placebo. This single-blind randomized controlled study enrolled stable Thai vitiligo patients with at least three similarly sized lesions in the same anatomical area. The treatment duration was 6 months with 1- and 2-month post-treatment follow-ups. The 3 selected lesions on each patient were randomized to receive combination therapy, monotherapy, or placebo. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) was used to evaluate lesion response. Of the 25 initially enrolled subjects, 19 patients were analyzed. There were 13 and 6 non-segmental and segmental vitiligo cases, respectively. Eight and 11 cases had face/neck and non-face/neck lesions, respectively. Non-segmental vitiligo and non-face/neck vitiligo patients in the combination group had significant improvement in VASI score at 3 months, 6 months, and at the 2-month follow-up. No side effects were observed/reported. Bimatoprost combination therapy was shown to be safe and effective for treating Thai patients with non-segmental vitiligo in non-face/neck areas of the body.

The efficacy of 308-nm excimer laser monotherapy versus combined with topical bimatoprost 0.03% solution for the treatment of facial vitiligo

“…In the current study, there was no signi cant difference in the side effects of interventions between the two groups, matching the result of previous research into the effect of EL or bimatoprost in treating vitiligo [29,30,34,37].…”

“…Topical bimatoprost solution is effective for non-segmental facial vitiligo treatment and has comparable results to tacrolimus ointment [32]. Prior studies have reported that a combination of bimatoprost with other treatments like 1550 nm fractional laser, Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is more effective than monotherapy [33,34]. However, Abdelrazik et al (2020) concluded that fractional CO2 laser followed by topical calcipotriol (0.05 mg/g) along with betamethasone ointment (0.5 mg) had superior e cacy compared with fractional CO2 laser combined with topical bimatoprost (0.03%) in the treatment of vitiligo [35].…”

Comparative study between efficacy of Excimer light with topical Tacrolimus 0.1% versus excimer light with topical Bimatoprost 0.01% in treatment of facial Vitiligo

“…Repigmentation of nonfacial areas (e.g., extremities, neck, and trunk) has been observed in other studies assessing treatment of vitiligo with topical prostaglandins, including bimatoprost [ 8 – 10 , 14 ]. Earlier reports by Parsad et al [ 15 ].…”

“…A randomized study using triple therapy of NB-UVB, fractional CO 2 laser and topical bimatoprost 0.01% proved more efficacious to dual therapy of NB-UVB and fractional CO 2 laser in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo on non-facial areas [ 18 ]. Another study showed bimatoprost combination therapy to be safe and effective for treating non-segmental vitiligo in non-face/neck areas of the body [ 10 ].…”

“…Moreover; the efficacy and safety of 0.01% bimatoprost solution was comparable to 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in patients with facial vitiligo [ 9 ]. Bimatoprost combination with NB-UVB phototherapy was shown to be safe and effective for treating Thai patients with non-segmental vitiligo in non-face/neck areas of the body [ 10 ].…”