NB-UVB promotes melanogenesis and cell proliferation through downregulating the expression of miRNA-25 in human melanocytes / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the effect of narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB ) on melanocytes proliferation,melanin production,tyrosinase activities and miRNA-2 5 expression so as to explore the relationship between NB-UVB and miRNA-25 and the possible mechanism of NB-UVB for treatment of vitiligo.Methods Melanocytes cultured in vitro were treated with 40 mJ/cm2 dose of NB-UVB for 72 h,the effects of NB-UVB on cell proliferation,tyrosinase activity and melanin content were investigated.After NB-UVB stimulation for 1 2 h,the effect of NB-UVB on miRNA-2 5 expression in melanocytes was detected. Melanocytes were transfected with miRNA-2 5 mimics,miRNA-2 5 inhibitor and miRNA-2 5 mutant,respectively,the changes of cell proliferation, tyrosinase activitiy and melanin content were observed.Cell viability was detected using MTT method.Tyrosinase activities were measured with levodopa as the substrate.NaOH assay was used for the detection of melanin content. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)was used to detect miRNA-25 expression.Results After NB-UVB of 40 mJ/cm2 dose was used for the cells cultured for 72 h,the viability of melanocytes,tyrosinase activities,and melanin content were significantly increased (P<0.05 ).After NB-UVB stimulation for 12 h, miRNA-2 5 expression was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0 .0 5 ).After knockdown of miRNA-2 5 ,the cell proliferation of melanocytes,tyrosinase activities and melanin content were increased,whereas overexpression of miRNA-2 5 decreased the cell proliferation, tyrosinase activities and melanin production.Overexpression of miRNA-2 5 partially inhibited the effect of NB-UVB on the treatment of melanocytes. Conclusion NB-UVB may promote cell proliferation,increase tyrosinase activities and melanin formation through partially downregulating the expression of miRNA-2 5 in melanocytes.

Pemphigus Foliaceus Associated with Psoriasis during the Course of Narrow-Band UVB Therapy: A Simple Coincidence?

Although psoriasis and bullous diseases are considered to be completely different disease entities, the literature has reported a few cases of psoriasis associated with bullous diseases, most of which are bullous pemphigoid. In limited cases, pemphigus foliaceus has also been reported in association with psoriasis. In most of them, pemphigus lesions usually developed on an untreated patient with a chronic history of psoriasis. Herein, we report a case of 53-year-old male with a chronic history of psoriasis who first developed generalized erosive lesions after 26 cycles of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus was made based on skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence assay. Pemphigus lesions were well controlled with combination therapy of oral steroid and azathioprine. This is the first case where pemphigus foliaceus co-occurred with psoriasis during NBUVB therapy.

Comparative evaluation of NBUVB phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy in chronic plaque psoriasis.

Background: Psoralen UV-A (PUVA) is an established therapy for psoriasis, but there is a well-documenated risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Narrow-band Ultraviolet-B (NBUVB) therapy has a lower carcinogenic risk, has equal therapeutic potential and is considerably safe in the long term than PUVA. Aim: The aim of present study was to compare the efficacy and side-effects of PUVA and NBUVB in chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods: Sixty patients of chronic plaque psoriasis were taken up for the study and were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. They were well matched in terms of age, sex, psoriasis extent and pretreatment psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scoring. One group was treated with twice-weekly narrow-band UV-B (TL-01) phototherapy and the other group received twice-weekly oral 8-Methoxsalen PUVA for a period of 3 months. Results: Both the groups achieved >75% reduction in the PASI score or complete clearance at the end of 3 months, but PUVA group patients required significantly fewer number of treatment sessions and fewer number of days to clear the psoriasis as compared to the NBUVB group, while the mean cumulative clearance dose and adverse effects were significantly lower in the NBUVB group. Conclusion: We concluded that PUVA group patients achieved a faster clearance, but the adverse effects were significantly lower in the NBUVB group.

Vitiligo Coexistent with Nevus Depigmentosus: This Was Treated with Narrow-Band UVB and These Lesions Were Followed Using the Mexameter(R), a Pigment-Measuring Device

Nevus depigmentosus (ND) is a congenital, non-progressive, hypopigmented lesion that is usually stable throughout an affected individual's lifetime. The clinical features of vitiligo are similar to those of ND, but the two diseases have different treatment responses and prognoses. We report here on a rare case of vitiligo that was coexistent with ND. Both conditions were treated with narrow-band UVB. An 11-year-old boy presented with two distinct types of hypopigmented lesions, one on the forehead and the other on his back. The first was a hypopigmented patch with leukotrichia, and it was incidentally discovered 3 months before the child was examined at our clinic and it had rapidly increased in size. The second hypopigmented patch was detected at birth and it had slowly been increasing in size. The hypopigmented lesion on the child's forehead was diagnosed as vitiligo, and the one on his back as ND. Once- or twice-weekly narrow-band UVB treatment was initiated. Improvements in the two lesions were assessed with clinical photography and using a Mexameter(R) (Courage-Khazaka Electronic, Germany), which is a pigment-measuring device.

Comparative Study of the Gross Interpretation of Phototesting and Objective Measurement with Using a Spectrophotometer for Patients with Psoriasis and Vitiligo Treated with Narrow-band UVB

BACKGROUND:Determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED) is important for developing a phototherapy protocol and to diagnosis photosensitivity disorders. But obtaining a precise and reproducible MED is quite difficult because a phototest for erythema is based on subjective assessment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to compare the gross interpretation of a phototest and the objective measurement using a spectrophotometer for determining the parameters of cutaneous narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) therapy. METHODS: A total of 14 psoriasis and 10 vitiligo patients who receiving NBUVB phototherapy with skin types III and IV were selected for this study. To perform phototesting, ten sites on the skin of the back were vertically exposed to a series of 10 NBUVB doses among 14 doses between 340 and 1,400 mJ/cm2. We interpreted the gross findings of erythema and measured the L*a*b* values with using a spectrophotometer at each phototest spot and at the control skin. Also, we evaluate the relationship between the gross presentation and the spectrophotometric analysis by delta E for the assessment of the minimal perceptible erythema (MPE) and MED. RESULTS: For all the subjects, the MEDs were measured in the 490~1,000 mJ/cm2 range. The average of the colorimetric values for the control skin were L*: 64.8, a*: 7.9 and b*: 19.8. Among them, the L* value and MED value were shown to be inversely correlated, and as the L* value was decreased, the MED was increased. For the MPE, the delta E, which was the color difference of the normal skin and the phototest area, was within the range of 1.5~3.0 in 17 of the 21 patients, and 4 patients were within the range of 1.0~1.5. For the MED, among the 21 patients, the delta E of 17 patients was within the range of 3.0~6.0, and 4 patients were within the range of 6.0~12.0. CONCLUSION: A spectrophotometer enables UV erythema to be assessed objectively and quantitatively, and this can compensate for the disadvantages of subjective gross interpretation when determining the MED. Delta E is a good novel and objective indicator for determining the MPE and MED. So, a spectrophotometer is a very useful instrument for developing a phototherapy protocol for psoriasis and other dermatoses and for making the diagnosis of photosensitivity disorders.

Comparative Study of the Gross Interpretation of Phototesting and Objective Measurement with Using a Spectrophotometer for Patients with Psoriasis and Vitiligo Treated with Narrow-band UVB

BACKGROUND:Determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED) is important for developing a phototherapy protocol and to diagnosis photosensitivity disorders. But obtaining a precise and reproducible MED is quite difficult because a phototest for erythema is based on subjective assessment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to compare the gross interpretation of a phototest and the objective measurement using a spectrophotometer for determining the parameters of cutaneous narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) therapy. METHODS: A total of 14 psoriasis and 10 vitiligo patients who receiving NBUVB phototherapy with skin types III and IV were selected for this study. To perform phototesting, ten sites on the skin of the back were vertically exposed to a series of 10 NBUVB doses among 14 doses between 340 and 1,400 mJ/cm2. We interpreted the gross findings of erythema and measured the L*a*b* values with using a spectrophotometer at each phototest spot and at the control skin. Also, we evaluate the relationship between the gross presentation and the spectrophotometric analysis by delta E for the assessment of the minimal perceptible erythema (MPE) and MED. RESULTS: For all the subjects, the MEDs were measured in the 490~1,000 mJ/cm2 range. The average of the colorimetric values for the control skin were L*: 64.8, a*: 7.9 and b*: 19.8. Among them, the L* value and MED value were shown to be inversely correlated, and as the L* value was decreased, the MED was increased. For the MPE, the delta E, which was the color difference of the normal skin and the phototest area, was within the range of 1.5~3.0 in 17 of the 21 patients, and 4 patients were within the range of 1.0~1.5. For the MED, among the 21 patients, the delta E of 17 patients was within the range of 3.0~6.0, and 4 patients were within the range of 6.0~12.0. CONCLUSION: A spectrophotometer enables UV erythema to be assessed objectively and quantitatively, and this can compensate for the disadvantages of subjective gross interpretation when determining the MED. Delta E is a good novel and objective indicator for determining the MPE and MED. So, a spectrophotometer is a very useful instrument for developing a phototherapy protocol for psoriasis and other dermatoses and for making the diagnosis of photosensitivity disorders.

A Clinical Study of Generalized Lichen Nitidus / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Generalized lichen nitidus is a rare subtype of lichen nitidus characterized by multiple, flesh-colored, shiny papules occurring over the entire body. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinical features of generalized lichen nitidus in patients followed up at our institution. METHODS: The patients with generalized lichen nitidus diagnosed clinically and histopathologically between 1998 and 2007 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve patients (9 males and 3 females) were enrolled in this study and the mean age at onset was 10.3 (range: 4~27) years. Of the 12 patients, 5 (41.7%) experienced pruritus and 4 (33.3%) had atopic dermatitis. None of the patients had a family history of lichen nitidus. Nine patients were treated with topical steroids, systemic steroids, oral antihistamines, or narrow-band UVB. We propose that narrow band UVB is an effective treatment modality for generalized lichen nitidus. The mean duration to clearance was 37.7 (range: 7~120) months and the disease was relapsing in 2 patients. The duration to clearance was correlated to the age at onset (p=0.0005) and to the duration at the first visit (p=0.0000), whereas it was not related to the sex of the patient, pruritus or the accompanying atopic dermatitis. CONCLUSION: Generalized lichen nitidus is often associated with varying degrees of pruritus and the clinical course of the disease tends to be chronic. We propose that onset at an early age and the short duration of disease at the first visit are good prognostic factors, and that narrow band UVB is an effective treatment modality for generalized lichen nitidus.

Generalized Lichen Nitidus Successfully Treated with Narrow-band UVB Phototherapy: Two Cases Report

Lichen nitidus (LN) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory skin disease composed of numerous, tiny, shiny, flesh-colored papules that are predominantly observed on the chest, abdomen, glans penis and upper extremities. The distribution of LN is most often localized, but in some cases it can become generalized. Because LN tends to be asymptomatic and presents spontaneous resolution within several years, it usually does not require treatment except in symptomatic, persistent and generalized cases. We describe a 28-yr-old man and a 7-yr-old boy with generalized LN where both cases improved with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy plus topical steroid ointment. Both patients noted improvement within the first three treatments and showed almost complete resolution after 18 and 20 treatments, respectively. NB-UVB phototherapy may be an effective alternative therapy for the treatment of generalized LN, even for those patients in their childhood.

A Case of Multiple Cutaneous Reticulohistiocytosis / 대한피부과학회지

Mutiple cutaneous reticulohistiocytosis represent a unique pattern in the spectrum of reticulohistiocytoses, and are characterized by multiple granulomas confined to the skin without evidence of arthritis or underlying systemic illness. We report a case of multiple cutaneous reticulohistiocytosis in a 31-year-old male, who presented with multiple, asymptomatic reddish-brown or skin-colored papules on the whole body. Histopathologically, there were numerous mononuclear and multinucleated histiocytes with a ground glass appearance in the dermis. The histiocytes were diastase-resistant, and periodic acid-Schiff reagent and CD 68 positive. The patient was treated with narrow band UVB for 1 month and slightly improved slightly.

Comparison between narrow-band UVB with topical corticosteroid and narrow-band UVB with placebo in the treatment of vitiligo: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Narrow-band UVB and topical corticosteroids are treatments for vitiligo. The possible synergistic effect of these modalities has not yet been investigated.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of combining narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) and 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment (CP) with that of NB-UVB and placebo in inducing initial and overall repigmentation and control of disease activity after 6 months of therapy. Moreover, it aims to assess the safety and determine the permanence ofrepigmentation within I year post-treatment in both regimens.METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, left-right comparison was conducted on generalized vitiligo patients with 5-50% body surface area involvement, having at least 2 bilateral, comparative lesions. CP or placebo was applied once daily on either side of the body, each combined with NB-UVB thrice weekly for 6 months.OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) number of exposures and cumulative dose (CD) of NB-UVB that induced initial repigmentation; (2) quantity of repigmentation after 6 months estimated by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs; (3) effect on disease activity by comparing pre- and post-treatment VIDA (vitiligo disease activity) scores; and (4) permanence of repigmentation and development of new lesions within 1 year post-treatment documented by photographs.ANALYSIS: Sample size was calculated using formula for testing two proportions at 0.05 level of significance and a power of 0.80. Data was analyzed with Student t test (paired), Exact test for symmetry and Wilcoxon signed rank test, depending on the data set involved.RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were recruited, but only 20 were evaluable at the end of the study. Initial repigmentation was noted after a mean of 9.30 +/- 3.54 exposures (mean CD 1,887.8 +/- 1195.81 mJ/cm2) of NB-UVB on the CP-treated side, and after a mean of 15.85 +/- 5.61 exposures (mean CD 4,152.2 +/- 2231.9 mJ/cm2) on the placebo side. After 6 months, 55% (11/20) and 40%(8/20) of patients exhibited marked (>75 %) repigmentation in the NB-UVB with CP side, and NB-UVB with placebo side, respectively. Adverse events were minimal and transient. VIDA scores improved and repigmentation induced by both treatment regimens remained stable in majority within one year post-treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Combination NB-UVB and CP induced repigmentation earlier, requiring significantly lower cumulative dose of NB-UVB than NB-UVB plus placebo. Over all quantity and permanence of repigmentation, as well as control of disease activity and safety, were comparable in the two regimens.    

A Case of Prurigo Nodularis Treated with Narrow-band UVB and Naltrexone / 대한피부과학회지

Prurigo nodularis is a distressing, chronic disease, which is considered to be very resistant to therapy. Treatment choice is quite limited. Among them, opiate antagonist and phototherapy have been used with satisfactory results. We report a case of treatment-resistant prurigo nodularis. Narrow band-UVB phototherapy was performed twice weekly for 3 months. Naltrexone 50mg was also taken daily before sleep. Pruritus was midly reduced after 1 week, and had almost completely disappeared after 3 months of treatment.

The Effect of Combination Therapy Using Calcipotriol Ointment and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Psoriatic Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGOUND: Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy has appeared to be effective in clearing psoriatic lesions. Calcipotriol has been combined with a number of the systemic antipsoriatic treatments, improving efficacy or reducing the systemic treatment required. OBJECTIVE: We performed calcipotriol-NBUVB combination therapy to evaluate the clinical efficacy and the safety in Korean psoriasis patients. METHOD: In the psoriasis clinic at Seoul National University Hospital, 69 psoriasis patients were treated with calcipotriol-NBUVB. Phototherapy was given once daily, three times a week, and the dose was gradually increased. Calcipotriol ointment was applied twice a day. The PASI score was used to evaluate the effects of the treatment and the patients were classified according to clearance, improvement, or failure. RESULTS: The therapeutic results showed 53.6% for clearance, 31.9% for improvement and 14.5% for failure. The total number, duration, final and cumulative doses to achieve grade IV were 16.1, 41.8days, 1487.3mJ/cm2, and 15234.5mJ/cm(2) respectively. Of 69 patients, 44 patients experienced variable adverse effects, but there was no significant adverse effect to discontinue the therapy. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that using calcipotriol ointment with NBUVB phototherapy is an effective therapeutic method for psoriatic patients.

Preference of Near-erythemogenic Narrow-band UVB Phototherapy in Psoriasis and Change of Dendritic Cells and Chemokines / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: These days, narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is used worldwide for treating psoriasis. Some evidence allegedly suggests that, in contrast to broadband UVB therapy, near- erythemogenic doses are not required as starting doses for NB-UVB phototherapy to decrease the risk of burning. However, a recent study has proved that the near-erythemogenic dose to start NB-UVB phothotherapy was preferable to the far-erythemogenic dose method. OBJECTIVE: We compared the therapeutic effects between 70% MED (MED70%) and 50% MED (MED50%) methods in NB-UVB phototherapy of psoriasis. In addition, to elucidate the action mechanism of NB-UVB in psoriasis treatment, we also investigated the immunosuppresive effects of Langerhans cells, macrophages and chemokine/chemokine receptors. METHOD: We compared the near-erythemogenic NB-UVB protocol (initial 70% MED+delta10% increase at each visit, twice per week) with the far-erythemogenic protocol (initial 50% MED+delta10% increase at each visit, twice per week). We performed skin biopsies after 4 times of 1 MED, once of 4 MED and once of 1 MED, along with corresponding controls from the lesional and non-lesional sites. Immunohistochemistry was also performed with anti-CD1a, anti-CD11b, anti-MCP-1 and anti-CCR2 antibodies. RESULTS: The results of immunohistochemcial experiments were as follows; 1. NB-UVB irradiation decreased the number of CD1a+ Langerhans cells in the epidermis, but increased CD11b+ macrophages in the dermis. CD11b+ macrophages were increased more in the dermis in single high-dose irradiation than repeated small dose irradiations of equivalent total doses. 2. MCP-1 was expressed only in the entire epidermis of the psoriatic lesion, and was especially high in proliferating keratinocytes of basal and suprabasal layers. It was also expressed in the papillary dermis to a lesser extent. CCR2, a receptor for MCP-1, was also found to be expressed in a similar pattern to MCP-1. Single high-dose irradiation reduced MCP-1 and CCR2 to a moderate degree, especially in the basal layer, more than the repeated low-dose irradiation of an equivalent total dose. CONCLUSION: The near erythemogenic NB-UVB protocol (MED70%) showed an earlier resolution of the psoriatic lesions and a lower recurrent rate than the far-erythemogenic NB-UVB protocol. Higher NB-UVB reduced the number of CD1a+ Langerhans cells in the epidermis, and increased CD11b+ monocytes/macrophages in the dermis. A higher dose of NB-UVB downregulated CCR-2 and MCP-1 expression. The expression patterns of epidermal and dermal APCs and chemokines in this study indicate that NB-UVB in psoriasis treatment has immunosuppressive properties. For better NB-UVB protocols in psoriasis treatment, higher starting doses and incremental doses may be desirable.

Two Cases of Early Stage Mycosis Fungoides Treated with Acitretin and Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy / 대한피부과학회지

Early stage mycosis fungoides (MF) has been treated with skin directed therapies including topical steroids, phototherapy (UVB), photochemotherapy (PUVA), topical nitrogen mustard, or total skin electron beam therapy. Recently, several studies have been reported that treat early-stage MF with narrow band UVB (NBUVB), which is an effective and convenient modality compared to other alternatives. Herein, we describe two cases of early stage MF treated with NBUVB. During the remission induction therapy, oral acitretin combined with NBUVB was used for several weeks to clear the MF, followed by treatment with only NBUVB for maintenance.

Short-term Effects of 308-nm Xenon-chloride Excimer Laser and Narrow-band Ultraviolet B in the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Comparative Study

We compared the clinical efficacy of a short-term intervention of 308-nm excimer laser with that of narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy for vitiligo patients to see the early response. Twenty-three symmetrically patterned patches of vitiligo on 8 patients were selected. Vitiligo patches on one side of the body were treated 2 times per week for a maximum of 20 treatments with the excimer laser, and NBUVB phototherapy was used on patches on the other side. Improvement (repigmentation) was assessed on a visual scale via serial photographs taken every five treatments and scored as follows: 0, or=75% improvement. At five treatments, the excimer laser-treated patches had an average score of 0.26, compared with 0.04 for patches treated with NBUVB phototherapy. A slightly higher repigmentation (p>0.05) in the excimer treated area was thus observed. At 10, 15, or 20 treatments, the differences between the average scores were significant: 0.83, 1.17, and 1.39 for the excimer-treated patches, and 0.17, 0.30, and 0.74 for the NBUVB pho-totherapy-treated areas (p<0.05). In conclusion, the 308-nm excimer laser appears to be more effective than NBUVB phototherapy, as it produces more rapid and profound repigmentation.

Therapeutic Effects of Narrow-band UVB Phototherapy in the Treatment of Vitiligo / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently, narrow-band UVB phototherapy is introduced for vitiligo treatment. It is easier to be applicable because of no need for topical and/or systemic photosensitizers, and comparably or more effective than PUVA without systemic side effects. Moreover, it is more safely applicable to children and pregnant women. However, to date, there is not so large series of clinical reports about its use in vitiligo treatment as to evaluate therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the effects of narrow-band UVB phototherapy for vitiligo in various aspects of clinical parameters. METHODS: Treatment of patients in this study with narrow-band UVB was started between November 2001 and November 2002. Narrow-band UVB phototherapy was given as monotherapy once or twice a week. The starting dose was 280-300mJ/cm2, with dose increments at each subsequent treatment. RESULTS: 78 patients were able to be evaluated in this study. Their ages ranged from 3 to 67 years (mean, 33.7 years). 69 patients had Fitzpatrick skin type IV, 5 had skin type III and 4 had skin type V. 36 of the 78 patients (46.2%) achieved more than 75% repigmentation (grade 4). The better repigmentation grade, the shorter vitiligo duration (p=0.0464). Compared with other sites, lesions on the hands and feet showed poorer improvement(grade 1: 10/13 and 4/4 respectively, p= 0.0015). Adverse effects were limited and transient. CONCLUSION: Narrow-band UVB therapy is an effective and safe therapy for vitiligo. Long-term adverse and therapeutic effects compared to other treatment modalities remain to be determined.

Therapeutic effect of narrow-spectrum UVB combined with compound glycyrrhizin on chronic eczema / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of narrow-band UVB combined with glycyrrhizin compound on chronic eczema. Methods:81 cases of patients with chronic eczema were randomly divided into treatment group 42 cases and the control group 39 cases . The treatment group was treated with narrow-band UVB therapy once every two days combined with compound glycyrrhizin capsules 150 mg,3 times a day;the control group was treated only with compound glycyrrhizin capsules 150 mg,3 times a day. Two groups were treated for 4 weeks altogether. Results:The efficacy rate of therapy group (95%)was obviously better than the control (64%). Conclusion:The narrow-band UVB combined with compound glycyrrhizin treatment is a safe and effective treatment for chronic eczema.

Efficacy of Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy in Vitiligo Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The treatment of vitiligo requires several months of treatment and often results in disappointing outcomes. Recently, narrow band UVB phototherapy has been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of narrow band UVB phototherapy in vitiligo patients. METHODS: In an open trial, thirteen vitiligo patients were treated twice weekly with narrow band UVB phototherapy for at least six months. The degree of repigmentation was divided into 4 categories(below 25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, and above 75%). The disease activity by history was scored by means of the "vitiligo disease activity score (VIDA score)" before and 12 months after therapy. RESULTS: In the majority of the patients(85%), more than 25% repigmentation was observed. More than 75% repigmentation was seen in 7 patients(54%). The disease activity, as represented by VIDA scores, was significantly decreased after narrow band UVB therapy(P<0.05). Adverse effects were mild erythema and pruritus in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: According to our results, narrow band UVB phototherapy is an effective therapy which is convenient and safe in vitiligo patients.

A Case of Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis Treated with Narrow Band UVB / 대한피부과학회지

Progressive macular hypomelanosis is an idiopathic acquired hypopigmentary disorder first described in 1988. The disorder is characterized by ill-defined, non-scaly, round to oval, hypopigmented patches symmetrically localized on the trunk. No clinical symptoms have been observed. Currently, diagnosis is made on clinical grounds and any histological, laboratory investigations are not diagnostic. This disorder does not respond to conventional treatment and its clinical course is variable. We experienced a case of progressive macular hypomelanosis that was successfully treated with narrow band UVB phototherapy.

Narrow-band UVB as a Tool of Vitiligo Treatment / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many modalities of treatment for vitiligo have been elucidated and yet the treatment of vitiligo remains to be a challenge. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to review our results and experiences with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo. METHOD: We studied 9 patients with vitiligo who received narrow band UVB phototherapy for 6 months in our department. This is a retrospective analysis of our experiences and results. RESULTS: Nine patients were able to be evaluated for the purpose of this analysis. Their ages ranged from 6 to 68 years(mean, 18.4 years). Six patients of 9 patients achieved more than 75% repigmentation with a mean of 25 sessions of phototherapy. The remaining three patients had 50%, 40% and 30% repigmentation after 44, 40, and 45 sessions of phototherapy, respectively. Adverse effects were mild. CONCLUSION: Narrow-band UVB is a useful and well-tolerated therapy for vitiligo in comparsion with other therapies.