https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0100-624X
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Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, methotrexate, and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and to assess their effects on serum cathelicidin and vitamin D.
Methods
This study was conducted on 60 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. They were divided into three groups (20 patients each); Group (A) was treated with NB-UVB phototherapy. Group (B) was treated with methotrexate. Group (C) was treated with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate. Patients were assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score), serum cathelicidin and vitamin D at the first visit and after three months of treatments.
Results
The highest mean PASI score percent improvement was reported in the combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (92%). There was a significant increase in serum vitamin D after treatments with NB-UVB phototherapy and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .001). There was a significant decrease in cathelicidin after three months of treatment with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .01).
Conclusion
This study could contribute to the hypothesis considering the role of cathelicidin and vitamin D in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate had the highest clinical improvement of psoriasis vulgaris.
Author contributions
All authors had the same contribution in conducting this manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript in its submitted form.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).