Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Research Articles

Effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib combined with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for patients with refractory vitiligo in real-world clinical practice.

Vitiligo is a chronic treatment-resistant autoimmune disorder characterized by circumscribed depigmented maculae. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib combined with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy for refractory nonsegmental vitiligo. Fifteen patients with nonsegmental vitiligo resistant to conventional therapies were administered oral tofacitinib at 5mg twice daily plus topical halometasone cream, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, or pimecrolimus cream twice daily and NB-UVB three times per week for 16 weeks. The control group comprised 19 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo treated with topical drugs plus NB-UVB same as the combination group. Treatment efficacy was measured by the percentage of repigmentation of vitiligo lesions at 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th week after beginning treatment. From 8th week, the repigmentation level was significantly higher in the combination group than in the controls. From fourth week, the response rate was significantly higher in the combination group than in the controls. Only one patient in the combination group reported mild pain in the hand and foot joints, but the pain subsided with cessation of therapy. No other severe adverse effects occurred. So, tofacitinib in combination with NB-UVB phototherapy may be an effective and safe alternative modality for refractory vitiligo.

Meta-Analysis of Alterations in Regulatory T Cells' Frequency and Suppressive Capacity in Patients with Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a noncontagious autoimmune skin depigmenting disease. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in maintaining peripheral tolerance; however, Tregs' number, suppressive function, and associated suppressive molecules (FOXP3, IL-10, and TGF-β) are found to be reduced in vitiligo patients. Although, the role of Tregs in vitiligo pathogenesis is well established, there are several contrary findings which suggest a controversial role of Tregs in vitiligo. Therefore, to clarify the role of Tregs in vitiligo pathogenesis, we aimed to study Tregs' frequency, suppressive capacity, and associated suppressive molecules (FOXP3, IL-10, and TGF-β) in vitiligo patients through meta-analysis approach. A total of 30 studies involving 1223 vitiligo patients and 1109 controls were included in the study. Pooled results from our meta-analysis suggested significantly reduced Treg cells' frequency in vitiligo patients (p = 0.002). Interestingly, Tregs' suppressive capacity was also significantly reduced in vitiligo patients (p = 0.0002); specifically, Treg-mediated suppression of CD8+T cells was impaired in vitiligo patients (p < 0.00001). Moreover, FOXP3, a key Tregs' transcription factor, was significantly reduced in blood and skin of vitiligo patients (p < 0.00001). Intriguingly, the FOXP3 expression was significantly reduced in the lesional skin as compared to perilesional and nonlesional skin (p = 0.007 and p = 0.04). Furthermore, the expression of key Treg-associated suppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly reduced in vitiligo patients (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.01). The disease activity-based analysis suggested for reduced Tregs' frequency and FOXP3 expression in active vitiligo patients (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01). We also studied the effect of microRNA-based treatment, narrow band–UVB phototherapy, and Treg-associated treatments on Tregs' frequency, FOXP3, and IL-10 expression. Interestingly, we found increased Tregs' frequency, FOXP3, and IL-10 expression after the treatment (p = 0.007, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.002). Overall, our meta-analysis suggests that the Tregs play a crucial role in pathogenesis and progression of vitiligo, and hence, Treg-based therapeutic interventions could be effective in vitiligo patients.

Pretreatment with an Aerosol Foam Containing Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Strongly Improves the Efficacy of Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy.

BackgroundNarrow-band (NB) UVB has been combined with a number of topical treatments. However, there have been no specific data regarding treatment results of a fixed combination of calcipotriene 50 μg/g plus betamethasone 0.5 mg/g aerosol foam (Cal/BD) combined with NB-UVB phototherapy so far.ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of Cal/BD foam coupled to twice-weekly NB-UVB and whether this combined regimen requires fewer UVB treatments and a lower cumulative UVB dose compared to phototherapy alone.MethodsThis cross-sectional, prospective, parallel-group study enrolled 187 consecutive moderate-to-severe psoriatic patients who were allocated to two groups in a 1:2 ratio. The overall duration of the treatment cycle was 12 weeks. At baseline and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, we registered the modified (not considering head lesions) PASI, the number of Cal/BD applications, the NRS score for itching and the adverse effects.ResultsThe combined regimen was more effective in clearing psoriasis [final mPASI: 2.1 (0; 8.2) versus 4.4 (0; 19.6); p < 0.01] and reducing itching [(final NRS score for itching: 0 (0; 3) versus 1 (0; 4); p < 0.01]. Fewer exposures [12 (4; 20) versus 24 (8; 24); p < 0.01] and a lower cumulative UVB dose [6.1 (5.4; 9.3) J cm−2 versus 13.1 (9.8; 19.7) J cm−2; p < 0.01] were required. A higher number of patients achieved complete clearance [47 (74.6%) versus 58 (46.8%) patients (p < 0.001)]. Both treatments were well tolerated without acute adverse effects.ConclusionCal/BD + NB-UVB is a very effective treatment that produces a rapid improvement in clinical lesions and itching and can be considered a valuable alternative to systemic treatments for psoriasis.

Optimizing Narrowband UVB Phototherapy: Is It More Challenging for Your Older Patients?

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy remains versatile, safe, and efficacious for multiple dermatologic conditions even with recent pharmacologic treatment advances. Polypharmacy contributes to prescribers pursuing phototherapy as a nonpharmacologic treatment, but some wonder if it is as effective and safe for older patients. This study aimed to determine if NB-UVB is equally effective in both older and younger adults treated with the same protocol and to examine the association between photosensitizing medications, clearance, and erythema rates in older vs younger adults.

Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Phototherapy in Psoriasis: A Retrospective Study

Background: Psoriasis with higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores correlate with impaired quality of life. Assessing narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy as a new therapy option in Indonesia is necessary to find the most effective treatment for psoriasis patients. Purpose: To determine the usage of NB-UVB phototherapy and the therapy response in psoriasis patients. Methods: This retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya in March 2019-November 2020. The variables were collected through medical records. Result: A total of 28 patients were obtained at this study. Psoriasis type plaque/vulgaris were found in 92.9% of the patients. The patients mostly started with PASI score &gt;10 with the initial dose of NB-UVB phototherapy is 260 mJ/cm2. The most common initial phototherapy frequency is 3 times per week (53.6%). The latest dose and frequency distribution was varied in each subject. The mean total number of sessions was 31.54 ± 20.549. Patients were also administered various combination therapy. The majority of patients had missed NB-UVB phototherapy sessions and the phototherapy dose needed to be reduced (57.1%). The achievement of PASI-75 (treatment success) was mostly achieved by subjects that went through 40-60 sessions of phototherapy and subjects with psoriasis type plaque/vulgaris. Conclusion: The achievement of PASI-75 was found to be low (17.5%), influenced by multiple factors such as the total number of NB-UVB phototherapy sessions, combination therapy, dose of NB-UVB phototherapy, frequency of NB-UVB phototherapy, and the level of patient compliance to therapy.

Impact of NB-UVB phototherapy on Caveolin-1 expression in chronic plaque psoriasis.

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a significant structural and regulatory constituent of cell membranes that has been implicated in cell kinetics and inflammation. To assess Cav-1 expression in psoriasis before and after phototherapy. Thirty psoriasis cases and 30 healthy controls were recruited. Cases were managed with narrow band-ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy at frequency three times per week for 12 weeks. From every case, two biopsy specimens were gained from psoriatic lesions (pre and post phototherapy), in addition to one from apparently normal skin of psoriasis cases. Regarding the control group, one biopsy was taken from a matched site. All were studied for Cav-1 antibody immuno-expression. There was a significant decrease in Cav-1 expression in psoriatic lesions compared to both the apparently normal skin of psoriasis patients and standard control skin of healthy individuals. After NB-UVB phototherapy, significant upregulation of Cav-1 immunostaining score was observed in previously psoriatic skin when compared to that before treatment. In addition, there were significant negative correlations between Cav-1 immunostaining score and the clinical scores of psoriasis severity including; the erythema, scaling, and induration (ESI) score and the patient psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Induction of Cav-1 expression may be a likely pathway for the effectiveness of NB-UVB in psoriasis. Cav-1 may be a useful marker for evaluation of psoriasis severity, disease progression, and therapeutic efficacy.

Vitiligo treatment: a look into the future (literature review)

Vitiligo is a disease that negatively influences patients quality of life, lowers their self-esteem, and causes significant psychological discomfort. According to numerous studies, patients with vitiligo are more likely to develop depressive and anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts. Despite the prevalence and social significance of the disease, vitiligo therapy remains a topical issue today. So, at the moment in the world there are still no specially registered drugs and treatments for vitiligo. Therapy of the disease today is mainly represented by drugs from the group of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, both in the form of monotherapy and in the form of combination therapy with narrow band UVB phototherapy. However, the overall effectiveness of standard treatment regimens does not exceed 80%, and the relapse rate can be up to 75%, which does not meet the expectations of the patient and the dermatovenerologist.&#x0D; This article is of a review character. The aim of the article was to study new promising methods of treatment of the disease in the practice of Russian and foreign specialists, their availability and principles of action.&#x0D; A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cyberleninka, and Internet databases to identify new drugs/methods in development, in clinical trials, and soon to be on the biopharmaceutical market. Keywords such as vitiligo, quality of life, and treatment were used in the literature search of the above-mentioned databases. The results of various clinical trials are given. The review identified the main contenders for the role of long-term therapy for vitiligo, which in the future will optimize patient management tactics and adherence to treatment.&#x0D; This review, addressed to practicing dermatovenerologists interested in vitiligo therapy, points to a process of active research and development of new therapies, in which more than 20 biopharmaceutical companies worldwide are currently involved. It should be expected that in the next few years the range of drugs used to treat the disease will completely change. Based on recent research on the pathogenesis of vitiligo, it can be concluded that from the entire list of promising drugs, local janus kinase inhibitors are probably the most promising new class of drugs for the treatment of this disease.

Efficacy of narrowband UVB phototherapy in early-stage mycosis fungoides in Iranian patients.

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of early mycosis fungoides (MF) in light-skinned patients, but the effect of NB-UVB on patients with darker skin phototypes needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NB-UVB in the treatment of early-stage MF in Iranian patients. In this retrospective study, 24 patients with the diagnosis of early MF (9 stage AI, 15 stage IB) were enrolled. All patients were treated with NB-UVB phototherapy 2-3 times weekly. After achieving complete response, a maintenance treatment was recommended. The response rate, side effects, and recurrence rate in the follow-up period were assessed. The follow-up period was ranged 6 to 24months. Ten patients (41.7%) had complete remission after a mean number of 42.9 treatment and mean cumulative dose of 58.11J/cm2. Twelve patients (50%) had partial response, and 2 patients (8.3%) had no response. After discontinuation of maintenance treatment, 4 of 10 patients (40%) with complete remission relapsed within a mean of 5months. Side effects were limited to erythema (12.5%) and hyperpigmentation (4%). NB-UVB is a safe and effective method for the treatment of early MF, but it seems that more treatment sessions and higher doses of NB-UVB are required for darker skin phototypes.

Utilization of Our Toolkit: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Surgical Therapies in Vitiligo Treatment.

Although vitiligo is often treated medically, there is increasing evidence for surgical therapies. Overlap with in-office surgical therapies that are already employed for other dermatologic conditions suggest that there is a significant opportunity to expand dermatologists' therapeutic repertoire for vitiligo. To systematically review the efficacy of nonphototherapy surgical treatments for vitiligo in comparative or placebo-controlled trials. A systematic review for surgical treatments for vitiligo was conducted. Primary outcomes were treatment success (>75% repigmentation) and failure (<25% repigmentation) for which meta-analyses were performed. Adverse effects were noted. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality. Surgical treatments reviewed included platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, ablative therapies, and surgical modalities. Seventy-three studies with 2,911 patients were included. The repigmentation benefits and adverse events are summarized. Meta-analyses suggest benefits for ablative laser therapies or microneedling in combination with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and for suction blister epidermal grafting over punch grafting. The addition of microneedling or ablative laser therapy to NB-UVB phototherapy may improve repigmentation with minimal adverse effects. Surgical therapies, such as suction blister grafting and punch grafting, may offer the highest likelihood of repigmentation but have a risk of adverse effects including scarring and hyperpigmentation.

A pilot study of combined oral minocycline and narrowband UVB phototherapy in vitiligo: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy is an effective therapeutic option for generalized vitiligo. Previous reports showed the potential benefit of minocycline to stop disease progression in vitiligo. Meanwhile, minocycline has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. There is no clinical study combining oral minocycline and NBUVB for treating generalized vitiligo. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination treatment of NBUVB plus oral minocycline with NBUVB alone in generalized vitiligo. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Patients were randomly treated with either combined oral minocycline 100 mg per day plus NBUVB phototherapy or placebo plus NBUVB. All patients recieved NBUVB two times per week, for 12 weeks. The outcomes were assessed using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index score (VASI) percent change, quartile grading scale (QGS) of repigmentation, and Vitiligo Disease Activity Index (VIDA) score. Fourteen generalized vitiligo patients were included, and seven cases were assigned in each group. At week 12, the mean VASI score was decreased by 28.87% (24.15) in the minocycline group compared to 27.26% (7.98) in placebo group (p= 0.886). No significant difference was observed between both treatment modalities in QGS of repigmentation and mean VIDA score change. Two of the seven patients (29%) receiving minocycline developed hyperpigmentation, dark-brown and muddy brown discoloration, which was only confined to some vitiliginous patches. In conclusion, combination therapy with oral minocycline does not enhance the efficacy of NBUVB in generalized vitiligo. Due to the high incidence of drug-induced skin hyperpigmentation, minocycline plus NBUVB should be avoided.

Evaluation of Biological Effects and Transcriptome Changes Induced by LED-Based Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy.

Ultraviolet (UV), particularly UVB, is widely used in the treatment of skin diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides and pruritus. Recently, there has been a trend of replacing broad-band UVB (BB-UVB) units with narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB), as studies have demonstrated that NB-UVB is more efficacious in the treatment of psoriasis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biological effects and transcriptome changes induced by light-emitting diode-based NB-UVB (NB-UVB LED) phototherapy. Cell viability and the cell migration ability were significantly decreased posttreatment, as well as apoptosis and ROS levels were remarkably increased. NB-UVB-induced S phase arrest was observed 12 h postirradiation. Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome sequencing data revealed that NB-UVB LED irradiation induced dose-depended changes in multiple key signaling pathways, such as PI3K and cytoskeletal-related pathways. The depolymerization of cytoskeleton induced by NB-UVB was observed 24 h posttreatment. In addition, the expression levels of cytoskeleton-related proteins FN1, ITGB4, ITGA1, RAC2 and DOCK1 decreased significantly 12 h after irradiation. Our results indicated that NB-UVB LED may serve as a novel option for the development of NB-UVB phototherapy devices.

A prospective pilot study of narrowband UV-B treatment of lichen planopilaris

A prospective pilot study of narrowband UV-B treatment of lichen planopilaris

Risk of skin cancer after ultraviolet phototherapy in patients with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy is an effective treatment for vitiligo, its effect on the risk of skin cancer remains controversial. To investigate the association between UV phototherapy and skin cancer risk in patients with vitiligo. A systematic review was performed for studies published before 5 May 2021 in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcome was the association of UV phototherapy with the risk of skin cancer in patients with vitiligo. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was conducted. Five retrospective cohort studies covering a total of 228 607 patients with vitiligo (110 038 who had been treated with UV phototherapy and 118 569 patients who had not) were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer [Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (MHRR) = 0.95; 95% CI 0.44-2.05] and melanoma (MHRR = 1.11; 95% CI 0.33-3.82) did not significantly increase after phototherapy in patients with vitiligo. In the subgroup analysis, we also found no significant association between phototherapy with narrowband UVB phototherapy specifically and risk of skin cancer in patients with vitiligo. There was no significant difference in risk of skin cancer between patients from Europe and those from East Asia and the risk was not affected by the number of narrowband UVB phototherapy sessions. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that UV phototherapy is a safe treatment for vitiligo with no significant risk of skin cancer.

Combination effect of methotrexate with Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy in psoriasis vulgaris patients in dermatology and venereology outpatient clinic Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that alters the quality of life. Systemic therapy and biologic agents are prescribed for severe and widespread psoriasis, but these drugs may have systemic side effects and immune suppression. Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy remains one of the most effective and safe treatments for psoriasis.Methods: This study was an observational retrospective cohort with one group pretest and post-test design. A retrospective analysis was done on 16 medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria. The efficacy of the therapy was identified and analyzed using the SPSS version 17 for Windows.Results: This study found that 16 psoriasis patients received NB-UVB phototherapy, 11 (68.75%) in men and 5 (31.25%) in women. The mean age was 47.31 years. There was a statistically significant difference in the reduction in PASI score before and after receiving combination methotrexate with 24 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy (p=0.000); the delta PASI score was 45,02%. A statistical analysis based on the number of phototherapy sessions per week showed enhanced results when patients attended 3 phototherapy sessions per week (p = 0.001).Conclusion: There was a statistically significant reduction in PASI score in psoriasis vulgaris patients before and after receiving combination methotrexate with 24 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy.

Evaluation of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (ApaI and TaqI) as risk factors of vitiligo and predictors of response to narrowband UVB phototherapy

Vitiligo is acquired depigmentation due to multiple factors. Vitamin D in skin, through its receptors (VDR), regulates cell growth, differentiation, immune response and exerts both stimulatory and protective effects on melanocytes. The gene sequence encoding VDR has polymorphic forms such as ApaI and TaqI that may affect vitamin D actions. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy became the mainstay of vitiligo treatment because of its efficacy and little side effects. The current work aimed at evaluating the possible association between VDR gene polymorphisms (TaqI and ApaI) and susceptibility of vitiligo and if they could be predictors of response to NB-UVB phototherapy in Egyptian vitiligo patients. 100 vitiligo patients indicated for NB-UVB phototherapy and 100 healthy age and sex matched controls were included. All participants were subjected to history taking, general and dermatological examinations, and VDR ApaI and TaqI gene polymorphisms analysis by PCR–RFLP. The patients received NB-UVB 3times per week for 6 months then revaluated. There was significant increase in Aa genotype of ApaI polymorphism in patients associated with significant increase in vitiligo activity. 66% of patient showed variable degrees of response to NB-UVB. The responders significantly had AA genotype of ApaI polymorphism. TaqI polymorphism showed nonsignificant effects on vitiligo susceptibility and response to NB-UVB. A allele of ApaI was significant independent predictor of NB-UVB phototherapy responders. VDR gene polymorphism (ApaI) may share in vitiligo pathogenesis and response to NB-UVB. Knowing the genetic background of the patient helps individualization of treatment to get better results.

Influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy on serum folate level in skin of color females: A cross-sectional study.

Background:Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) (311–312 nm) is widely used for dermatological conditions with a favorable side-effect profile during pregnancy. Recently published data showed that NB-UVB might decrease serum folate level in Fitzpatrick skin phenotype I–III, especially at higher doses; this may predispose newborns to neural tube defects.Objective:To compare serum folate levels of skin of color females treated with NB-UVB and healthy females of childbearing age, as well as to note whether subsequent complications have been observed, if any.Methods:Multicenter, cross-sectional study of 30 females (N = 30): 15 female patients undergoing NB-UVB phototherapy as well as 15 age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy volunteers who were enrolled into the study after excluding factors known to alter serum folate concentration. NB-UVB exposures were performed 2–3 times a week for at least 8–12 weeks (mean cumulative NB-UVB dose ± standard deviation [SD] was 55 ± 79 J/cm2).Results:Mean serum folate ± SD in NB-UVB exposed and healthy controls were 10.3 ± 4 and 8.3 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively. This was not a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .14).Limitations:Small sample size (N = 30) and a cross-sectional study type.Conclusion:Cumulative NB-UVB exposure is not associated with a statistically significant difference in serum folate level (P > .05) in skin of color females of childbearing age in comparison to age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy females, even with the relatively higher cumulative doses (mean ± SD was 55 ± 79 J/cm2) that have been shown to reduce serum folate level in lighter skin phenotypes.

Psoriasis Treatment by Using Narrowband-UVB Phototherapy

Ultraviolet light radiation is applied to treat Plaque Psoriasis disease by targeted phototherapy. This is available through Narrowband-UVB light radiation devices peaked at wavelength 311 nm. Ten cases were chosen as a study group, 8 males aged 22-40 years old, and 2 females aged 25 and 32 years old who were exposed to ultraviolet light radiation. Their recovery or improvement was followed weekly. Different doses were used according to the severity of the lesion and as a trial for the outcome. The dose was given two times a week, starting with 200mJ/cm2, and subsequently increased by 100 or 200 mJ/cm2 reaching a maximum dose as tolerated by each individual patient. Improvement was observed after 4 – 6 weeks. The patient stays in the treatment cabinet for a few seconds to several minutes according to the individual case which depends on the area of the body being treated. Treatment was stopped for two patients due to in toleration to the recommended dose. It was observed that good treatment results were obtained for the other 8 patients. The recovery rate from the disease was in the range of 50-100%. This is depending on the duration of the occurrence of the disease and the reduction of the size of the affected area on ​​the skin for each individual patient after treatment.

Diurnal Preference Contributes to Maximal UVB Sensitivity by the Hour of the Day in Human Skin In Vivo

Diurnal Preference Contributes to Maximal UVB Sensitivity by the Hour of the Day in Human Skin In Vivo

Assessment of CXCL10 Before and After Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy in Non-Segmental Vitiligo Patients.

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder characterized by white macules and patches accompanied by local melanocyte loss, caused by autoimmune destruction. Vitiligo is classified into two major forms: segmental vitiligo (SV) and non-segmental vitiligo (NSV). It was also found that the IFN-ȣ/CXCL10 axis is functionally required for both progression and maintenance of the disease. Chemokine 10 (CXCL10) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine which was found to be elevated in the serum of vitiligo patients. UVB has been found to be a useful therapy that results in rapid repigmentation in NSV patients. To evaluate CXCL10 in vitiligo patients before and after narrow band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, which if targeted could provide new insights for therapeutic intervention for vitiligo. The study included 25 active NSV patients who were able to comply with the study protocol in the Center of Excellence, Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, National Research Center, Egypt (February 2020-2021). All recruited patients were subjected to documentation of complete history. Dermatological assessment of vitiligo lesions, including vitiligo area score index (VASI) score, CXCL10 and extent of the disease were performed. A 3 mm punch biopsy from active vitiligo lesion (site of biopsy) was taken before and after treatment by NB-UVB, and then immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate expression of CXCL10. After treatment by NB-UVB there was a significant decrease in VASI score, extent of the disease and CXCL10 expression. The decrease in CXCL10 levels could be attributed to the effect of NB-UVB which leads to decrease in IFN-γ level, necessary to release CXCL10 through its pathway resulting in repigmentation and decrease in the extent of the disease and VASI scores.

Telangiectasia Macularis Eruptiva Perstans Treated with Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy and Heliotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Telangiectasia Macularis Eruptiva Perstans Treated with Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy and Heliotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic