Effectiveness of Narrowband Ultraviolet on Vitiligo: A Systematic Review

• Published in: Dermato 2024-12, Vol.4 (4), p.187-197
• Main Authors: Costa, Ana Luisa Tenani Pereira da, Menezes, Julya Gracite de, Beltrame, Mayara Louise, Silva, Bianca Veronese da, Lima, Dartel Ferrari, Artioli, Dérrick Patrick, Buzanello, Márcia Rosângela, Bertolini, Gladson Ricardo Flor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: phototherapy; ultraviolet therapy; vitiligo
• ISSN: 2673-6179; 2673-6179
• DOI: 10.3390/dermato4040016

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) is one of the most popular and effective modalities to treat vitiligo. Given the importance of nb-UBV, as well as its associations, this research searched the literature for answers on how to best treat vitiligo. Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review assessing the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy for the treatment of vitiligo, in comparison with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and other topical or systemic treatment modalities. Methods: The databases included were PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. Gray literature was also used: Google Scholar, Open Grey, and Library of Thesis and Dissertations-CAPES. The search used the keywords: “Vitiligo” AND “Ultraviolet Therapy OR Actinotherapy”. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by two independent, blinded reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. The outcome assessed was repigmentation. Results: Three randomized controlled trials were selected from 2973 records. In three studies, Nb-UVB had superior effects to the comparator. Conclusion: Nb-UVB phototherapy improves repigmentation in patients with vitiligo, with few side effects. However, the variability in the protocols and the risk of bias require caution when interpreting the results.