BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about the efficacy of narrowband UVB therapy for the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides is limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of narrowband UVB therapy for the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected following a review of patient phototherapy and medical charts, and telephone interviews were performed for follow-up information. RESULTS: The study included 25 patients (14 male, 11 female) with a mean age of 34 +/- 13 years. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination in 92% (n = 23) of the patients. The median duration of the disease was 24 months (range: 2-192 months). The median number of sessions until response was 25 (8 weeks) (range: 9-77 sessions), with a median cumulative dose of 15 J/cm(2) (range: 2-158 J/cm(2)). Complete response and partial response were achieved in 48% and 44% of the patients, respectively, while 8% of the patients achieved no response. In those patients for whom follow-up data were available (n = 17), 10 (58%) relapsed within a median of 9.5 months (range: 1-44 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that narrowband UVB is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for PLC.
BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about the efficacy of narrowband UVB therapy for the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides is limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of narrowband UVB therapy for the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected following a review of patient phototherapy and medical charts, and telephone interviews were performed for follow-up information. RESULTS: The study included 25 patients (14 male, 11 female) with a mean age of 34 +/- 13 years. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination in 92% (n = 23) of the patients. The median duration of the disease was 24 months (range: 2-192 months). The median number of sessions until response was 25 (8 weeks) (range: 9-77 sessions), with a median cumulative dose of 15 J/cm(2) (range: 2-158 J/cm(2)). Complete response and partial response were achieved in 48% and 44% of the patients, respectively, while 8% of the patients achieved no response. In those patients for whom follow-up data were available (n = 17), 10 (58%) relapsed within a median of 9.5 months (range: 1-44 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that narrowband UVB is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for PLC.
Authors: Neide Pereira; Ana Brinca; Maria Manuel Brites; Maria José Julião; Oscar Tellechea; Margarida Gonçalo Journal: Case Rep Dermatol Date: 2012-03-23