ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of intense pulse light therapy [IPL] and triple combination cream [TCC] versus intense pulse light therapy and triple combination cream alone in epidermal melasma treatment, downgrading MASI score to more than 10. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from August 2014 to January 2015
Methodology: Patients of 18-45 years were included in the study with Fitzpatrick skin type II-V. Sample of 96 patients was divided in to three groups of 32 each, through consecutive [non-probability] sampling method. Detailed history was taken, Woods Lamp Examination done, and melasma area and severity index [MASI] score was calculated. TCC had to be applied daily at night for two months by group A patients while group B was consigned for IPL therapy fortnightly, and those in group C were given both for two months. Efficacy was compared by recalculating MASI score at treatment end as well as at follow-up after 4 weeks, using Chi-square test with significance at p < 0.05
Results: Male and female patients were 10 [31.2%] and 22 [68.8%] in group A, 7 [21.9%] and 25 [78.1%] in group B, while in group C were 12 [37.5%] and 20 [62.5%]. The average age was 28.70 +8.70 years. MASI score reduction was achieved in 22 [68.8%] patients in group A; whereas, in 20 [62.5%] and 30[93.8%] patients in group B and C, respectively. Efficacy-wise distribution was significant [p=0.009]
Conclusion: Intense pulse light therapy and triple combination cream are more efficacious in epidermal melasma treatment than intense pulse light therapy and triple combination cream alone
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of tacrolimus plus narrowband ultraviolet B [NB-UVB] phototherapy versus NB-UVB phototherapy alone in the treatment of vitiligo
Methods: A total of 94 patients were randomized into two equal groups A and B. Patients in group A were managed with combined treatment i.e. NB-UVB three times a week plus topical tacrolimus 0.1% once daily application while patients in group B will be subjected to NB-UVB alone three times a week alone for three months. The efficacy was determined in term of repigmentation by measuring vitiligo area severity score
Results: 41 [87.2%] patients in group A achieved efficacy while group B showed efficacy in 32 [68.1%] patients [p=0.022]. Efficacy was unrelated to age, sex, severity and duration of vitiligo
Conclusion: Combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy in the treatment of vitiligo