Narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy in pityriasis lichenoides chronica

Abstract

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/cm² (range: 2–158 J/cm²). 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.

• Narrowband UVB
• phototherapy
• pityriasis lichenoides

Notes

This study was presented as an oral presentation at the XXI World Congress of Dermatology, October 1–5, 2007, Argentina.