UV hardening therapy: A novel intervention in patients with photosensitive cutaneous lupus erythematosus - 09/08/11
, Hooyin Y. Lam, BSc, Carla A.F.M. Bruijnzeel-Koomen, MD, PhD, Vigfus Sigurdsson, MD, PhD, Huib van Weelden, MSc
Correspondence to: Cornelus J. G. Sanders, Department of Dermatology/Allergology, HP G02.124, University Medical Centre, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.Utrecht, Netherlands
Abstract |
Background |
Patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) and a history of disease- related photoaggravation, confirmed by phototesting, may not respond to photoprotection and/or medical intervention. Ultraviolet B-hardening therapy may improve tolerance for environmental ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in photosensitive disorders.
Objective |
We studied the effect of UVB hardening on the cutaneous manifestations of patients with LE and their tolerance for UVR.
Patients and Methods |
A retrospective study of continuous, home-based, UVB-hardening therapy in 44 patients with cutaneous LE (systemic LE: 9 patients; chronic LE: 21 patients; subacute cutaneous LE: 10 patients; cutaneous LE not specified: 4 patients) who had confirmed photosensitivity. Exposure to the UVB source was performed year-round, 3 times weekly, with increasing doses to a maximum of 10 minutes per session. Tolerance for environmental UVR was established through questionnaires, phototesting, and assessment of disease activity by physician and patient.
Results |
Of 44 patients, 35 were able to gradually increase their monthly UVB doses. Nine patients dropped out because of insufficient efficacy or skin irritation, or were unable to adhere to the hardening regimen. Of the 35 patients who succeeded in hardening their skin with UVB, 28 patients reported an improved tolerance for environmental UVR. This outcome was confirmed by repeat phototesting in a subgroup. In only 5 patients, an improvement of cutaneous LE symptoms was noted by either physician or patient. No serious adverse events were encountered.
Limitations |
This was a retrospective study and no control group was used.
Conclusion |
This is the first report that describes UVB hardening as a potential therapy in patients with cutaneous LE and confirmed photosensitivity. This intervention may lead to improved tolerance for environmental UVR and, in a minority of patients, even to decreased cutaneous activity of LE.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Abbreviations used : LE, MED, PMLE, UV
Plan
| Funding sources: This project was partly funded by the National Association of Patients with LE, Netherlands. Conflict of interest: None identified. Reprints not available from the authors. |
Vol 54 - N° 3
P. 479-486 - mars 2006 Retour au numéro
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