A retrospective study of the utility of targeted phototherapy in vitiligo
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Date
2018-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists
Abstract
Background: Targeted phototherapy is a recent advance in the treatment of vitiligo, involving selective treatment of vitiligo patches with no effect on surrounding areas. Although it has been in use for a few years, little data is available regarding its safety and efficacy. Aims: A retrospective study to determine efficacy and safety of targeted phototherapy in vitiligo. Methods: One hundred and thirty four patients (male: 53, female: 81) who received targeted phototherapy and completed 11 or more sittings were included. Treatment was given once a week using the Lumera phototherapy system, a broadband ultraviolet B source, starting at 150 mJ/spot and after excluding a sunburn reaction, with increments of 50 mJ every week up to a maximum of 1000 mJ/patch. Chi-square test for linear trends was used for statistical analysis. Results: The most common sites involved were the legs and a majority (70.9%) had non-segmental vitiligo. Response was mild in 78 (58.2%) patients, moderate in 50 (37.3%) and excellent in 6 (4.5%) patients. Response was directly proportional to the number of sittings with more patients showing moderate and excellent responses with an increase in the number of sittings. The most common site for an excellent response was the trunk while the lower limbs were involved in most cases with a moderate or mild response. Side effects were seen in 27 (20.2%) patients, the commonest being erythema. Limitations: This is a retrospective uncontrolled study. Further, the effects of adjuvant treatment were not assessed. Conclusions: Targeted phototherapy is a useful treatment for vitiligo with mild adverse effects, though response is mild or moderate and appears to be directly proportional to the number of treatments received.
Description
Keywords
Targeted phototherapy, vitiligo, Vitiligo Global Issues and Consensus Conference classification
Citation
Raghuwanshi Abhijit D, Jambhore Minty W, Viswanath Vishalakshi, Gopalani Vinay. A retrospective study of the utility of targeted phototherapy in vitiligo. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2018 Jan; 84(1): 49-53