Phototherapy

Abstract Of all the therapeutic options available in Dermatology, few of them have the history, effectiveness, and safety of phototherapy. Heliotherapy, NB-UVB, PUVA, and UVA1 are currently the most common types of phototherapy used. Although psoriasis is the most frequent indication, it is used for atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and cutaneous sclerosis, among others. Before indicating phototherapy, a complete patient assessment should be performed. Possible contraindications should be actively searched for and it is essential to assess whether the patient can come to the treatment center at least twice a week. One of the main method limitations is the difficulty that patients have to attend the sessions. This therapy usually occurs in association with other treatments: topical or systemic medications. Maintaining the regular monitoring of the patient is essential to identify and treat possible adverse effects. Phototherapy is recognized for its benefits and should be considered whenever possible.

Fototerapia con Lámpara de Diodos Emisores de Luz (LED) versus Lámpara Fluorescente Estudio Clínico Cuasi-aleatorizado / Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lamp Phototherapy versus Fluorescent Lamp Quasi-randomized Clinical Study

Introducción: Se ha establecido que la fototerapia con tecnología LED es más efectiva que la fototerapia convencional para el tratamiento de hiperbilirrubinemia neonatal al reducir el número de horas de tratamiento requerido en los recién nacidos a término y pretérmino. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar un estudio clínico aleatorizado con tres tipos de lámparas incluida una de prototipo. Métodos: En el presente estudio clínico con un diseño paralelo de tres grupos, participaron recién nacidos con necesidad de tratamiento por hiperbilirrubinemia, ingresados en la Unidad de Neonatología del Hospital Homero Castanier Crespo en Azogues-Ecuador. Fueron distribuidos en 3 grupos: Grupo 1 (G1) Fototerapia con lámpara fluorescente, Grupo 2 (G2) fototerapia LED comercializada (Medix®, Mediled®), Grupo 3 (G3) con Fototerapia LED de prototipo. Se mide la concentración de bilirrubinas y la diferencia de medias de su reducción en cada grupo para demostrar no inferioridad. Resultados: El peso en G1 (n=30) fue 3050 ±134 gr, en G2 (n=30): 3200 ±186; G3 (n=30): 3034 ±234 (P=0.70). La edad gestacional en G1: 39 ±1 semanas, en G2 39.1±1.1, en G3 39 ±1.1 (P=0.80). Bilirrubina en G1: 15.8 ±6.2, en G2: 14. 93 ±5.9 y en G3: 15.62 ±5.9 mg/dl. (P=0.60). Las diferencias de bilirrubina (Delta 1) pre-tratamiento y a las 24 horas de tratamiento fueron -2.4 en G1, -2.4 en G2 y -2.25 mg/dl en G3 (P=0.60). Delta 2 a las 48 horas: -4.5 en G1, -4.26 en G2 y -4.42 mg/dl en G3 (P=0.62). Conclusión: los tres tratamientos demostraron No inferioridad en el tratamiento de hiperbilirrubinemia neonatal

Introduction: It has been established that phototherapy with LED technology is more effective than conventional phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by reducing the number of hours of treatment required in term and preterm newborns. The objective of the present study was to carry out a randomized clinical study with three types of lamps, including a prototype. Methods: In the present clinical study with a parallel design of three groups, newborns with need of treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, admitted to the Neonatology Unit of the Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital in Azogues-Ecuador, participated. They were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (G1) Phototherapy with fluorescent lamp, Group 2 (G2) commercialized LED phototherapy (Medix®, Mediled®), Group 3 (G3) with prototype LED phototherapy. The bilirubin concentration and the mean difference of its reduction in each group are measured to demonstrate non-inferiority. Results: The weight in G1 (n = 30) was 3050 ± 134 gr, in G2 (n = 30): 3200 ± 186; G3 (n = 30): 3034 ± 234 (P = 0.70). Gestational age in G1: 39 ± 1 weeks, in G2 39.1 ± 1.1, in G3 39 ± 1.1 (P = 0.80). Bilirubin in G1: 15.8 ± 6.2, in G2: 14. 93 ± 5.9 and in G3: 15.62 ± 5.9 mg / dl. (P = 0.60). The differences in bilirubin (Delta 1) pre-treatment and at 24 hours of treatment were -2.4 in G1, -2.4 in G2 and -2.25 mg / dl in G3 (P = 0.60). Delta 2 at 48 hours: -4.5 in G1, -4.26 in G2 and -4.42 mg / dl in G3 (P = 0.62). Conclusion: the three treatments demonstrated non-inferiority in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Blocking or enhancing effects of some basic emollients in UVA penetration

Abstract: Background: Topical agents used in combination with phototherapy or photochemotherapy may have both blocking or enhancing effects in ultraviolet rays. Objective: In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet A radiation were investigated. Methods: A test was performed to determine the minimal phototoxic dose on 29 volunteers with only psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and then the same test was repeated with white petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, olive oil, and sunscreen (0.3cc/25cm2). The effects of each agent on the minimal phototoxic dose were determined after 72 h. Results: When compared to pure PUVA, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values by the application of white petrolatum (P = 0.011), but there was no significant increase or decrease in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values after the application of basis cream (P = 0.326), glycerine (P = 0.611) or olive oil (P = 0.799). Study limitations: Low number of patients Conclusion: The application of white petrolatum, which has a blocking effect, and also of basis cream immediately before PUVA therapy should not be recommended. Although we specify that glycerine and maybe olive oil can be used before photochemotherapy, there is a need for further research in larger series.

Secondary Cutaneous Amyloidosis in a Patient with Mycosis Fungoides

Secondary cutaneous amyloidosis refers to clinically unapparent amyloid deposits within the skin in association with a pre-existing skin condition or skin tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, porokeratosis, solar elastosis, Bowen's disease, and mycosis fungoides. A 70-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of asymptomatic multiple yellowish plaques on both legs. She had been diagnosed with mycosis fungoides 7 years ago and was treated with psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) therapy, narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, and acitretin for 5 years. Finally, she reached complete remission of mycosis fungoides. However, new yellowish lesions started to appear 1 year after discontinuing the phototherapy. A physical examination revealed multiple yellowish plaques on both extremities. The plaques were well circumscribed and slightly elevated. All laboratory tests were normal. A biopsy specimen showed multiple nodular deposits of eosinophilic amorphous material in papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis. The deposits represented apple green birefringence on Congo red stain viewed under polarized light. Acellular small nodules in the upper dermis consisted of randomly oriented, non-branching, 6.67~12.7 nm thick amyloid fibrils on electron microscopy. We report an interesting and rare case of secondary cutaneous amyloidosis after narrow-band UVB therapy and PUVA therapy in a patient with mycosis fungoides.

Secondary Cutaneous Amyloidosis in a Patient with Mycosis Fungoides

Secondary cutaneous amyloidosis refers to clinically unapparent amyloid deposits within the skin in association with a pre-existing skin condition or skin tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, porokeratosis, solar elastosis, Bowen's disease, and mycosis fungoides. A 70-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of asymptomatic multiple yellowish plaques on both legs. She had been diagnosed with mycosis fungoides 7 years ago and was treated with psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) therapy, narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, and acitretin for 5 years. Finally, she reached complete remission of mycosis fungoides. However, new yellowish lesions started to appear 1 year after discontinuing the phototherapy. A physical examination revealed multiple yellowish plaques on both extremities. The plaques were well circumscribed and slightly elevated. All laboratory tests were normal. A biopsy specimen showed multiple nodular deposits of eosinophilic amorphous material in papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis. The deposits represented apple green birefringence on Congo red stain viewed under polarized light. Acellular small nodules in the upper dermis consisted of randomly oriented, non-branching, 6.67~12.7 nm thick amyloid fibrils on electron microscopy. We report an interesting and rare case of secondary cutaneous amyloidosis after narrow-band UVB therapy and PUVA therapy in a patient with mycosis fungoides.

Evaluation of 25 years of phototherapy for treating psoriasis at a teaching hospital in southern Spain

AbstractBACKGROUND:For years, phototherapy has been used in a wide range of skin diseases, which is unsurprising as skin is the anatomical feature most directly exposed to light, especially in psoriasis. Although the role of light therapy has been replaced by different therapeutic modalities in recent years, this treatment is now an established option for many skin diseases.OBJECTIVES:The aim was to characterize the patient population thathad received the aforementioned treatment in the Virgen Macarena Health Area in Seville (Spain) between June 1985 and October 2011.METHODS:We have designed a descriptive study with a univariate analysis covering 443 treatments with light therapy, all administered to the same number of patients suffering from psoriasis.RESULTS:79.15% of patients were discharged due to improvement or healing, while the 20.85% were discharged due to other reasons. The average total accumulative dose was 131.53 J/cm2. We do not detected an increase in proportion in patients for develop NMSK after light therapy treatment.CONCLUSIONS:We consider that phototherapy is still an effective and efficient treatment that will have to be reconsidered in the current macroeconomic context.

Tratamento de micose fungoide com fototerapia UVB de banda estreita (UVB-NB) / Treatment of mycosis fungoides with narrow-band UVB phototherapy (NB-UVB)

O linfoma cutâneo de células T (LCCT) compreende um grupo heterogêneo de neoplasias de linfócitos T que se apresentam de diversas formas clínicas, histológicas, imunofenotípicas e evolutivas. Micose fungoide (MF) é a forma mais comum de LCCT e corresponde a 50% de todos os linfomas cutâneos primários. A variante hipocrômica da micose fungoide apresenta características epidemiológicas próprias, sendo rara em pacientes caucasianos, atingindo faixas etárias precoces, apresentando evolução na maioria das vezes benigna. O tratamento de eleição para MF é terapia direcionada à pele nos estágios iniciais, enquanto a terapia sistêmica fica reservada para os casos mais avançados. Dentre as terapias descritas, a fototerapia é um dos métodos mais utilizados atualmente para fases iniciais de MF pelos bons resultados apresentados e menor efeito colateral em relação aos demais. Recentemente muitos relatos têm mostrado que UVB-NB é efetiva para o tratamento de estádios precoces de MF. Descrevemos um caso de MF em uma adolescente no estágio IA da doença, apresentando resposta satisfatória com o tratamento com UVB-NB, duas vezes por semana.

Phototherapy as an effective treatment for Majocchi's disease - Case report

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses are chronic and relapsing disorders characterized by a symmetrical rash of petechial and pigmentary macules, mainly confined to the lower limbs. Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is a less common variant of Pigmented purpuric dermatoses characterized by punctate telangiectatic macules progressing to annular, hyperpigmented patches with central clearing and infrequent atrophy. A 12 year-old girl presented with asymptomatic round to oval reddish brown macules, present symmetrically over her lower and upper limbs for 3 years. Few lesions were annular in shape. Biopsy from the lesion was compatible with Pigmented purpuric dermatoses. On the basis of clinical and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi was made. The patient began phototherapy thrice a week and showed excellent response.

Preventive effect of genistein against psoralens plus ultraviolet A-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of genistein on psoralens plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in vitro.Methods Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from the foreskin of a healthy 5-year-old boy,and subjected to primary culture.After 5-8 passages of subculture,the fibroblasts were collected and used in the following experiment.To determine the optimal concentration of genistein,methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was conducted to detect the proliferation of fibroblasts pretreated with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and various concentrations (0-20 μg/ml) of genistein for 24 hours followed by UVA irradiation.Then,the fibroblasts were divided into 3 groups:normal control group receiving no treatment,photoaging group incubated with 8-MOP for 24 hours followed by UVA irradiation,and genistein group incubated with both 8-MOP and genistein at the optimal concentration for 24 hours followed by UVA irradiation.After additional culture,invert microscopy was carried out to observe the morphology of fibroblasts,enzyme histochemistry to assess senescent cells by using SA-β-Gal kit,flow cytometry to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS),real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR to detect the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression.One-way analysis of variance was conducted to assess the differences in these parameters among these groups.Results At 24 hours after UVA irradiation,the percentage of fibroblasts positive for SA-β-galactosidase was (0.67 ± 0.58)％,(96.67 ± 1.53)％ and (51.67 ± 2.08)％ in the normal control group,photoaging group and genistein group respectively,with significant differences among these groups (P ＜ 0.01).The level of ROS in the photoaging group and genistein group was (0.88 ± 0.24) and (0.62 ± 0.02) fold higher than that in the control group(both P ＜ 0.01).Moreover,the MMP-1 expression level in the photoaging group and genistein group was 10 times and 6 times that in the control group,respectively,with significant differences among the 3 groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion In vitro,genistein can protect against PUVA-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts to some extent.

Combination Therapy with Cyclosporine and Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A in the Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Study with a Self-Controlled Design

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is believed to be an organ-specific autoimmune disease in which a mononuclear cell infiltrate develops in and around anagen hair follicles. There is no definitive therapy for AA. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether the combination therapy of cyclosporine and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) could be an effective treatment for severe AA. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with severe AA were treated with oral cyclosporine and topical PUVA. Cyclosporine was given at an initial daily dose of 200 mg for adult and 100 mg for children for periods of up to 16 weeks. Eight-methoxypsoralen (Methoxsalen) was applied topically 20 minutes prior to ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure, and the patients were irradiated with UVA twice a week for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Of the total 41 patients, 2 (7.3%) patients were lost to follow-up, and 1 (2.4%) patient discontinued the treatment due to abdominal discomfort. Six (14.6%) patients were treated for less than 12 weeks. Of remaining 32 patients, 3 (9.4%) showed excellent response, 3 (9.4%) showed good response, 12 (37.5%) showed fair response, and 14 (43.7%) showed poor response. CONCLUSION: Although limited by its uncontrolled character, this study shows that the combination therapy with cyclosporine and PUVA may be an additional choice for severe and recalcitrant AA.

Accidental PUVA burns, vitiligo and atopic diathesis resulting in prurigo nodularis: a logical but undocumented rarity / Prurigo nodular induzido por queimaduras acidentais por PUVA, vitiligo e diátese atópica: uma raridade lógica, mas não documentada

Vitiligo is a dreaded disease in India due to its social and cultural consequences. PUVA and PUVAsol are the main treatment modalities for vitiligo vulgaris. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of accidental PUVA burns eventuating in prurigo nodularis lesions to be reported in a female patient who was undergoing home PUVA therapy. The itch is so prominent and disabling that the focus of the patient has shifted from treating her vitiligo to ameliorating the pruritus.

O vitiligo é uma doença temida na Índia por suas consequências sociais e culturais. As principais modalidades de tratamento do vitiligo vulgar são as terapias PUVA e PUVAsol. Pelo que sabemos, este é o primeiro relato de caso de prurigo nodular induzido por queimaduras acidentais por PUVA em paciente do sexo feminino em tratamento domiciliar com PUVA. O prurido é tão intenso e incapacitante que o foco da paciente passou do vitiligo à busca constante pela melhora do prurido.

Localized scleroderma: assessment of the therapeutic response to phototherapy / Esclerodermia cutânea: avaliação da resposta terapêutica à fototerapia

BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive connective tissue sclerosis and microcirculatory changes. Localized scleroderma is considered a limited disease. However, in some cases atrophic and deforming lesions may be observed that hinder the normal development. Literature reports indicate phototherapy as a therapeutic modality with favorable response in cutaneous forms of scleroderma. OBJECTIVES: This study had the purpose of assessing the phototherapy treatment for localized scleroderma. METHODS: Patients with localized scleroderma were selected for phototherapy treatment. They were classified according to the type of localized scleroderma and evolutive stage of the lesions. Clinical examination and skin ultrasound were used to demonstrate the results thus obtained. RESULTS: Some clinical improvement was observed after an average of 10 phototherapeutic sessions. All skin lesions were softer at clinical palpation with scores reduction upon pre and post treatment comparison. The ultrasound showed that most of the assessed lesions presented a decrease in dermal thickness, and only five maintained their previous measure. Treatment response was similar regardless of the type of phototherapeutic treatment employed. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed treatment was effective for all lesions, regardless of the phototherapeutic modality employed. The improvement was observed in all treated skin lesions and confirmed by clinical evaluation and skin ultrasound.

FUNDAMENTOS: A esclerodermia é uma doença autoimune caracterizada pela esclerose progressiva do tecido conjuntivo e alterações da microcirculação. A forma cutânea é considerada uma doença autolimitada. No entanto, em alguns casos, ocorrem lesões atróficas, deformantes, que dificultam o desenvolvimento normal. Relatos da literatura apontam a fototerapia como uma modalidade terapêutica com resposta favorável nas formas cutâneas da esclerodermia. OBJETIVOS: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o tratamento da esclerodermia cutânea com fototerapia. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerodermia cutânea para o tratamento com fototerapia, os quais foram classificados de acordo com o tipo clínico e o estágio evolutivo das lesões. Utilizou-se o exame clínico e a ultrassonografia da pele como metodologia para demonstrar os resultados obtidos com o tratamento proposto. RESULTADOS: Foi observado o início da melhora clínica das lesões com média de 10 sessões de fototerapia. A palpação clínica mostrou amolecimento em todas as lesões estudadas, com redução nos escores de avaliação estabelecidos. No exame de ultrassom, a maioria das lesões avaliadas mostrou diminuição da espessura da derme, e apenas cinco mantiveram sua medida. Não se observou diferença na resposta ao tratamento de acordo com o tipo de fototerapia instituída. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento proposto foi efetivo em todas as lesões, independentemente do tipo de fototerapia realizada. A melhora foi observada em todas as lesões tratadas e comprovada pela avaliação clínica e pelo exame de ultrassom da pele.

Qual é o tipo de fototerapia mais comumente indicada no tratamento da psoríase?: UVB banda estreita e PUVA: comportamento da prescrição / What is the most common phototherapy prescription for psoriasis: NB-UVB or PUVA? Prescription behavior

FUNDAMENTOS: Formas moderada e grave de psoríase requerem fototerapia e/ou medicações sistêmicas. Tanto UVB banda estreita quanto fototerapia UVA com psoralênicos (PUVA) podem ser utilizadas no tratamento dessas formas de psoríase, sendo comprovada a efetividade de ambas as terapias. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as indicações de dois tipos de fototerapia no tratamento da psoríase refratária à terapia tópica: UVB banda estreita e PUVA. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2007, os pacientes encaminhados a dois serviços de fototerapia foram incluídos neste estudo. Dados sobre os casos e tipos de prescrição foram coletados de maneira retrospectiva. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 67 pacientes estudados, 51 (76 por cento) foram tratados com UVB banda estreita. As razões para sua indicação foram presença de psoríase em gotas (22 por cento), presença de finas placas (15 por cento), uso de drogas fotossensibilizantes (15 por cento), idade abaixo de 20 anos (9 por cento), fototipo I (9 por cento) e doença hepática (6 por cento). Os 16 (24 por cento) restantes foram tratados com PUVA. A principal indicação dessa terapia foi gravidade da doença (15 por cento), seguida de fototipo IV (9 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: As prescrições de UVB banda estreita excederam as de PUVA devido ao menor número de contraindicações, menor possibilidade de efeitos colaterais, e ainda por ser uma opção mais prática.

BACKGROUND: Moderate and severe forms of psoriasis require phototherapy and / or systemic medications. Both UVA and UVB can be used to treat cases of moderate and severe psoriasis, and the effectiveness of both has been proven. OBJECTIVE: to access the prescription behavior relating to two types of phototherapy for treating psoriasis refractory to topical treatment: narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) or psoralen plus UVA phototherapy (PUVA). METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2007, patients referred to two phototherapy services were included in this study. Data on the cases and on the type of prescription were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 67 studied patients, 51 (76 percent) were treated with narrowband UVB. The reasons for the indication were the presence of the guttate type of psoriasis (22 percent), the presence of thin plaques (15 percent), the use of drugs that affected photosensitivity (15 percent), age less than 20 years (9 percent), skin type I (9 percent), and liver disease (6 percent). The remaining 16 (24 percent) were treated with PUVA. The main indication for this therapy was the severity of the disease (15 percent), followed by the presence of skin type IV (9 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Prescriptions of narrowband UVB exceeded those of PUVA because of fewer contraindications and fewer possible side effects, and because it was a more practical option.

Efectividad del Puva oral versus Uvb de banda estrecha en la Psoriasis: metanálisis / Effectiveness of oral PUVA versus narrow band UVB in: metanalysis

La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que afecta tanto a hombres como a mujeres, y puede presentarse a cualquier edad, con una prevalencia de 1 - 3% de la población mundial. Existen múltiples modalidades terapéuticas, divididas en medicamentos tópicos y sistémicos dentro de los cuales se encuentra la fototerapia. Objetivo: establecer la efectividad de los psoralenos orales más la luz ultravioleta A versus la luz ultravioleta B de banda estrecha, en el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a severa. Para ello se realizó un metanálisis con base en la revisión sistemática de la literatura que incluyera ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que compararan la efectividad del tratamiento con PUVA versus el tratamiento con NB-UVB. Todos los estudios fueron evaluados por tres investigadores, tanto en la calidad metodológica como en los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, y sólo se incluyeron aquellos ensayos clínicos con calificación mayor o igual a 1++ según la escala de Jadad. Resultados: La búsqueda arrojó 110 artículos, los cuales en su mayoría fueron descartados debido a que no cumplían los criterios de inclusión propuestos, quedando solo tres estudios en el análisis final: Yones et al, Markham et al y Gordon et al, y en los cuales se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas a los tres y seis meses de seguimiento a favor de PUVA, pero con poco peso estadístico. Conclusiones: La terapia con PUVA mas psoraleno oral tiene tendencia a mostrar mayor efectividad que la terapia NB-UVB, pero el reducido número de estudios impide establecer una conclusión de forma definitiva.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition with a worldwide prevalence of 1-3% that affects both men and women and may presents at any age. Multiple therapeutic modalities exist: topical and systemic medications within which phototherapy is found. Objective: to establish the efectiveness of oral psoralens plus ultraviolet A light versus narrow band ultraviolet B light in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Methods: A meta-analysis based on the systematic review of literature was performed. All clinical studies included were randomized clinical trials that compared the effectiveness of PUVA vs NB-UVB treatment. All studies were evaluated by three researchers, both according to the methodological quality and to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only those clinical trials with a score equal to or greater than 1++ according to the Jadad scale were included. Results: The search found 110 articles, of which the majority were discarded due that they did not meet the inclusion criteria proposed, leaving only three trials for the final analysis: Yones et al, Markham et al y Gordon et al. These trials compared the effectiveness of oral psoralen PUVA versus NB-UVB. Statistically significant differences were found at three and six months follow up in favor of PUVA treatment, but having a low evidence weight. Conclusions: PUVA with oral psoralen tends to show a higher efectiveness than NBUVB therapy, but the reduced number of studies does not allow for a definitive conclution.

Caso para diagnóstico / Case for diagnosis

Descreve-se um caso de telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans em paciente do sexo masculino de 18 anos com história de máculas telangiectásicas disseminadas por tronco e membros. O sinal de Darier foi positivo. O exame histopatológico mostrou infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear, com acúmulo de mastócitos ao Giemsa. A telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans deve ser considerada em pacientes que apresentem lesões telangiectásicas de aparência e distribuição atípicas com início na infância.

We report a case of telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans in an 18-year-old male patient who developed multiple erythematous maculae on the trunk and limbs. Darier’s sign was positive. Histopathology revealed mononuclear cell infiltrate and increased number of mast cells identified with Giemsa staining. Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstansshould be considered in patients with telangiectatic lesions of atypical appearance or distribution which start in childhood.

Redução dos linfócitos T-CD8+ citotóxicos observada com a terapia Puva em paciente com vitiligo / Reduction of cytotoxic T-CD8+ lymphocytes observed during PUVA therapy in a patient with vitiligo

Na patogênese do vitiligo tem-se enfatizado o papel das células T citotóxicas. Identificadas pelo antígeno linfocitário cutâneo (CLA), essas células já foram descritas no sangue de pacientes com outras dermatoses e podem ser depletadas pela fototerapia concomitantemente à melhora clínica. Descreve-se caso de vitiligo generalizado com melhora clínica expressiva após Puva, no qual houve redução de 25% dos linfócitos T CD8+-CLA+ circulantes.

The role of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) has been emphasized in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. This cell population, identified by a skin homing molecule (cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen Â- CLA), has been described in patients with other dermatoses and can be reduced with phototherapy. The authors present the case of a patient with generalized vitiligo and clinical recovery after PUVA parallel to a 25% reduction in CD8+-CLA+ T cells in the peripheral blood.

Fototerapia na doença enxerto contra hospedeiro / Phototherapy in the graft versus host disease

FUNDAMENTOS: A doença enxerto contra hospedeiro é um dos obstáculos ao sucesso do transplante de medula óssea, e o envolvimento cutâneo é freqüente. A fototerapia é utilizada devido à intensa atividade imunomoduladora local, sendo opção terapêutica adjuvante para as lesões cutâneas resistentes à terapia convencional. OBJETIVO: Realizar análise descritiva do tratamento da doença enxerto contra hospedeiro com fototerapia (Puva ou UVB de faixa estreita). MÉTODOS: Foram atendidos nove pacientes com manifestação cutânea da doença enxerto contra hospedeiro aguda ou crônica. Seis foram tratados com Puva, terapia de primeira escolha, e três com UVB de faixa estreita. As sessões foram realizadas três vezes por semana, e a resposta terapêutica avaliada após 12 sessões. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes com doença enxerto contra hospedeiro aguda mostraram melhora, com desaparecimento do eritema e do edema. Naqueles com doença crônica, observaram-se involução das lesões liquenóides e melhora da mobilidade daqueles com a forma esclerodermiforme. Dois pacientes apresentaram doença de evolução grave e foram a óbito. CONCLUSÃO: A fototerapia mostrou-se efetiva no tratamento das manifestações cutâneas da doença enxerto contra hospedeiro aguda e crônica. A Puva permite o controle da doença, podendo a UVB de faixa estreita ser opção para pacientes impossibilitados de usar medicação sistêmica.

BACKGROUND: Graft versus host disease is one of the obstacles to successful bone marrow transplantation. It often affects the skin. Phototherapy has been used because of its strong local immunomodulatory activity and it is an option for adjuvant therapy for skin lesions of graft versus host disease resistant to conventional therapy. OBJECTIVE: To make a descriptive analysis of treating graft versus host disease with phototherapy (PUVA or narrowband UVB). Methods - Nine patients with cutaneous manifestation of acute or chronic graft versus host disease were studied. The first choice therapy was PUVA, applied in six patients, and three were treated with narrowband UVB. The sessions were held three times a week and therapeutic response was evaluated after 12 sessions. RESULTS: All patients with acute graft versus host disease showed improvement, with the disappearance of erythema and edema. In those with chronic graft versus host disease, there was good response to therapy with regression of lichenoid lesions and better mobility of patients with the sclerodermoid form. Two patients had severe progression and died. CONCLUSION: Phototherapy showed to be effective in treating skin manifestations of acute and chronic graft versus host disease. PUVA allows control of the disease. The narrowband UVB is an option for patients who cannot take systemic medications.

Changes of Caspase8 and Caspase3 Protein in HL-60 Cells during Apoptosis Induced by PUVA / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the changes of Caspase8 and Caspase3 protein in HL-60 cells during apoptosis induced by psoralen (PSO) plus ultraviolet A (UVA). Methods HL-60 cells were treated with PSO, extracted from Chinese medicine psoralea fruits in different concentrations, plus UVA of wave length 360 nm in different irradiation time. The apoptosis ratios, ultrastructure changes and the expression of Caspase8 and Caspase3 protein were detected. The factorial design and analysis of variance were used to analyze the interaction among the factors. Results PSO, UVA and PUVA all increased the apoptosis ratios and up-regulated the expression of Caspase8 and Caspase3 protein, but the effects of PUVA were the strongest. There were obvious changes about apoptosis under the electron microscope after treatment with PUVA. Conclusions PUVA can induce the apoptosis of HL-60 cells and activate Caspase8 and Caspase3 gene.

Effects of PUVA on Apoptosis and Expression of Fas in Leukemia Cells / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To explore the effects of psoralen (PSO) and long wave ultraviolet A (PUVA) on apoptosis and expression of Fas in HL-60,K562 and NB4 leukemia cells.Methods The cells were incubated with PSO in different concentrations irradiated with or without UVA.The changes of ultrastructure of cells were observed under the electron microscope.The expression of Fas gene was detected by fluorescent quantitation PCR.The apoptosis ratio and the expression of Fas protein were detected through the flow cytometry.The factorial design and analysis of variance were used to analyze the interaction among the factors.Results There were obvious ultrastructure changes about apoptosis in leukemia cells after treated with PUVA.PSO,UVA and PUVA all increased the apoptosis ratio and expression of Fas gene and protein,and the effects of PUVA were stronger than the other two (P

A Case of Tumor Stage Mycosis Fungoides Treated with Combination of Surgical Excision and PUVA Therapy / 대한피부과학회지

This is a case of mycosis fungoides (MF) in a 60-year-old woman who showed a solitary painful tumor on the left thigh. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with MF for several scaly patches on trunk and thigh and was treated with PUVA therapy. After 8 months, the patch lesion almost disappeared and she stopped PUVA therapy. One year later, she revisited hospital with 3 x 3 cm sized painful tumor on left thigh which had developed for about 4 weeks. Histopathological examination of the tumor showed diffuse infiltration of atypical lymphocytes in the dermis, consistent with tumor stage MF. There was no systemic involvement. We removed tumor by surgical excision and started PUVA therapy instead of starting systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy immediately. Until now, tumor has not recurred and she has been managed as patch/plaque stage for 12 months. We thought that aggressive treatment methods could be delayed by surgical excision of tumor in tumor stage MF.