|
|||||
|
|
A comparison of three times vs. five times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis |
|
| Authors: | Zahra Hallaji,Masoumeh Barzegari,Kamran Balighi,Pouria Mansoori,Arash Taheri,& Parisa Mansoori |
| Affiliation: | Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;, Department of Radiology, Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran;, and Ganjavian Hospital, Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Dezfoul, Iran |
| Abstract: | Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis. Objectives: To compare the effects of three and five times weekly NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods: Sixty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were allocated to receive three or five times weekly NB-UVB, starting at low dose. Results: Among the patients who completed the study, clearance was achieved in 18 out of 23 patients (78%) in the three times weekly group and in 15 out of 22 patients (68%) in the five times weekly group. The difference was not statistically significant ( P =0.44). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of treatments ( P =0.95), cumulative UVB dose ( P =0.51), and rate of side-effects. Length of the treatment period was significantly shorter in the five times weekly group ( P <0.001). At the end of treatment, the mean psoriasis area and severity index score was lower in the three times weekly group ( P =0.02). Conclusions: We recommend three times weekly NB-UVB for chronic plaque psoriasis; however, the more rapid clearance of psoriasis with five times weekly phototherapy may justify using this method in some patients. |
| Keywords: | narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy psoriasis |