Critical evaluation of the variants influencing the clinical response of vitiligo: study of 60 cases treated with ultraviolet B narrow-band phototherapy

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2007-11, Vol.21 (10), p.1369-1374
• Main Authors: Brazzelli, V, Antoninetti, M, Palazzini, S, Barbagallo, T, De Silvestri, A, Borroni, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; body sites; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; clinical response; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Pigmentation - radiation effects; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy; UVB-NB phototherapy; vitiligo; Vitiligo - radiotherapy
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02278.x

Background  The treatment of vitiligo is still a challenge, but ultraviolet B narrow‐band (UVB‐NB) therapy has been recently reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo. Objective  The purpose of this study is a critical evaluation of the variants (body sites, age, duration of the disease, and duration of the therapy) influencing the clinical response to UVB‐NB therapy. Methods  Sixty patients (23 male and 37 female), aged 6 to 70 years, with vitiligo, were treated with UVB‐NB therapy over a maximum period of 2 years. The evaluation of the percentage of repigmentation was done through photographs. Results  The lesions located on the face obtained a complete repigmentation in 68% of the patients, on the neck in 57.89%, and on the trunk in 50% within the first year of the therapy. In young patients vs. adults patients, the lesions located on the neck obtained a complete repigmentation in 83.33% vs. 46.15%, on the upper limbs in 28.57% vs. 9.52%, and on the lower limbs in 25% vs. 16.67%. In patients with vitiligo of recent onset, the lesions located on the neck obtained a complete repigmentation in 83.33%, on the upper limbs in 33.33%, and on the lower limbs in 28.57%. Hands did not give a positive response in either groups. Conclusion  This study shows that certain body sites respond better than others to the UVB‐NB therapy; patients, aged less than 20 years, with recent vitiligo, achieve more repigmentation; the duration of the therapy can influence the response of the lesions over hands and lower limbs, showing only mild repigmentation.