A comparison of three times vs. five times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis

作者：Hallaji Zahra; Barzegari Masoumeh; Balighi Kamran; Mansoori Pouria; Taheri Arash; Mansoori Parisa

来源：Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 2010, 26(1): 10-15.

• narrowband ultraviolet B
• phototherapy
• psoriasis

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.

• 出版日期2010-2