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.

Consensus on the treatment of vitiligo - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Vitiligo is a muco-cutaneous, autoimmune, localized, or disseminated disease, which manifests through hypochromic or achromic macules, with loss in quality of life. The prevalence of vitiligo in Brazil was determined to be 0.54%. There is no on-label medication for its treatment. To date, no Brazilian consensus on the treatment of vitiligo had been written. Objectives: The objective of this group of Brazilian dermatologists with experience in the treatment of this disease was to reach a consensus on the clinical and surgical treatment of vitiligo, based on articles with the best scientific evidence. Methods: Seven dermatologists were invited, and each was assigned two treatment modalities to review. Each treatment (topical, systemic, and phototherapy) was reviewed by three experts. Two experts reviewed the surgical treatment. Subsequently, the coordinator compiled the different versions and drafted a text about each type of treatment. The new version was returned to all experts, who expressed their opinions and made suggestions for clarity. The final text was written by the coordinator and sent to all participants to prepare the final consensus. Results/Conclusion: The experts defined the following as standard treatments of vitiligo: the use of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for localized and unstable cases; corticosteroid minipulse in progressive generalized vitiligo; narrowband UVB phototherapy for extensive forms of the disease. Surgical modalities should be indicated for segmental and stable generalized vitiligo. Topical and systemic anti-JAK drugs are being tested, with promising results.

Partial repigmentation of vitiligo with tofacitinib, without exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Abstract Vitiligo is a disease that causes macules and achromic and/or hypochromic patches, which can affect from small areas to the entire tegument. Treatment options are few and are generally ineffective. Recently, some case reports have appeared which show positive results with the use of Janus kinase inhibitors associated with phototherapy. This report details the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis associated with vitiligo in treatment for two years, whose condition partially improved initially after eight months of oral tofacitinib at a dose of 5 mg twice a day, without exposure to ultraviolet radiation and with continuous improvement during these two years of treatment.

Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 3: a novel keratinocyte-derived melanogenic cytokine in vitiligo patients

Abstract: Background: In-vitro studies showed that Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 3 (LGI3) is a keratinocyte-derived cytokine that stimulates melanin synthesis and is increased after ultra violet B (UVB) irradiation. So, we postulated that LGI3 may be involved in vitiligo aetiopathogenesis and may participate in narrow band ultra violet B (NB-UVB) induced pigmentation in vitiligo. Objectives: To assess this hypothesis, lesional LGI3 immunohistochemical expression of vitiligo patients before and after NB-UVB phototherapy was studied, and its correlation with repigmentation was evaluated. Methods: Forty vitiligo patients and 20 age, sex, and skin phenotype-matched controls were enrolled. Patients were treated with NB-UVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks. VASI score was evaluated before and after NB-UVB sessions. For vitiligo patients, baseline LGI3 immunohistochemical staining was estimated, and compared to that of controls and to its post-treatment data in those patients. Results: Baseline LGI3 immunohistochemical studied parameters (expression, intensity, percentage and H score) were significantly lower in vitiligo cases than controls (p=0.003, 0.013, 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). After 12 weeks of NB-UVB phototherapy, these LGI3 immunohistochemical parameters were up-regulated and became comparable to that of controls (p >0.05 for all). There was a significant positive correlation between the improvement of both VASI score and LGI3 H score mean values (r=-0.349 , p=0.027). Study limitations: Small number of investigated subjects. Conclusions: Decreased LGI3 protein may play an active role in vitiligo pathogenesis and its up-regulation after NB-UVB phototherapy, may actively participate in NB-UVB photo-induced melanogenesis.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a highly prevalent inflammatory and pruritic dermatosis with a multifactorial etiology, which includes skin barrier defects, immune dysfunction, and microbiome alterations. Atopic dermatitis is mediated by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors and requires therapeutic management that covers all the aspects of its complex pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to present the experience, opinions, and recommendations of Brazilian dermatology experts regarding the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Eighteen experts from 10 university hospitals with experience in atopic dermatitis were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to organize a consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis. The 18 experts answered an online questionnaire with 14 questions related to the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Afterwards, they analyzed the recent international guidelines on atopic dermatitis of the American Academy of Dermatology, published in 2014, and of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, published in 2018. Consensus was defined as approval by at least 70% of the panel. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The experts stated that the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis is based on skin hydration, topical anti-inflammatory agents, avoidance of triggering factors, and educational programs. Systemic therapy, based on immunosuppressive agents, is only indicated for severe refractory disease and after failure of topical therapy. Early detection and treatment of secondary bacterial and viral infections is mandatory, and hospitalization may be needed to control atopic dermatitis flares. Novel target-oriented drugs such as immunobiologicals are invaluable therapeutic agents for atopic dermatitis.

Accelerated collagen cross-linking in the management of advanced Acanthamoeba keratitis / Cross-linking acelerado de colágeno no controle da ceratite por Acanthamoeba avançada

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report our initial experience in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis with accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis with progressive corneal melting who were treated with accelerated collagen cross-linking. Results: A total of 6 eyes (5 patients) were reviewed. All the patients received adjuvant therapy with moxifloxacin and chlorhexidine. In 4 cases, the ulcer healed with a mean interval to epithelialization of 108.8 days (range 59-217). In 2 eyes, there was a persistent neurotrophic ulcer. The melting was not progressive in any case, nor did any eye required emergency penetrating keratoplasy. Conclusion: This study suggests a beneficial effect of accelerated collagen cross-linking in cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis with corneal melting. Thus, collagen cross-linking may be considered as adjuvant treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar nossa experiência inicial no tra tamento da ceratite por Acanthamoeba com reticulação acelerada de colágeno corneano. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados com ceratite por Acanthamoeba, com deformação progressiva da córnea, tratados com reticulação acelerada de colágeno. Resultados: Seis olhos (5 pacientes) foram incluídos. Todos os pacientes receberam terapia adjuvante com moxifloxacina e clorexidina. Em 4 casos, a úlcera cicatrizou com uma média de epitelização de 108,8 dias (amplitude de 59-217 dias). Em dois pacientes, a úlcera apresentou um comportamento neurotrófico. A deformação não foi progressiva em nenhum dos pacientes e nenhum dos olhos exigiu ceratoplastia penetrante de emergência. Conclusão: Este estudo sugeriu um efeito benéfico da reticulação acelerada de colágeno em casos de ceratite por Acanthamoeba infecciosa com deformação corneal. A reticulação de colágeno parece ser uma alternativa coadjuvante possível para casos de ceratite por Acanthamoeba.

Evaluation of skin expression profiles of patients with vitiligo treated with narrow-band UVB therapy by targeted RNA-seq

Abstract: Background: Vitiligo is characterized by a lack of pigmentation in the skin. To date, there are no studies that analyze the changes in gene expression in the skin of vitiligo patients in response to narrow-band ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) phototherapy treatment. Objective: Explore the usefulness of new generation RNA sequencing in the identification of gene expression changes in the skin of vitiligo patients treated with nb-UVB phototherapy. Methods: Four skin biopsies (4mm in diameter) were collected from 45 Mexican vitiligo vulgaris patients, 2 specimens before and 2 after treatment with nb-UVB phototherapy, obtained from pigmented and non-pigmented tissue. RNA extracted from the biopsies was analyzed using the Illumina TruSeq Targeted RNA Expression protocol to study the expression of genes that participate in pathways of skin homeostasis. The 2 groups were compared using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The expression analysis identified differences in 12 genes included in this study after comparing the samples obtained before and after treatment: 5 genes involved in skin pigmentation, 2 genes involved in apoptosis, 2 genes involved in cell survival, 2 genes involved in oxidative stress responses and 1 gene involved in signal transduction mechanisms (p<0.05). Study limitations: The small size of skin biopsies limits the amount of RNA obtained, the number of genes to be analyzed and the use of conventional techniques such as RT-qPCR. Conclusion: We demonstrated usefulness of new generation RNA sequencing in the identification of gene expression changes, in addition to identifying new targets in the study of vitiligo.

Tazarotene gel with narrow-band UVB phototherapy: a synergistic combination in psoriasis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) has been shown to be one of the most effective treatment modalities for psoriasis. Tazarotene, a known effective anti-psoriatic modality, when combined with NB-UVB may enhance the therapeutic success. OBJECTIVE: To study clinical efficacy and safety of combination of NB-UVB with topical tazarotene 0.05% gel in psoriasis. METHOD: Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis having symmetrical lesions were enrolled for 12 weeks. All patients were instructed to apply tazarotene gel on target plaque on left side of body once daily. In addition, the whole body was irradiated with NB-UVB twice weekly. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring and number of treatment sessions for clearance. RESULT: Our study resulted in 3 key findings: Firstly, therapeutic efficacy of NB-UVB was enhanced by addition of tazarotene. This enhanced efficacy was more apparent in decreasing scaling and thickness as compared to decrease in erythema. Secondly, combination therapy showed faster clearance of target plaques, with reduction in mean number of treatment sessions. Thirdly, mean cumulative NB-UVB dose needed to achieve clearance of target plaques was significantly reduced with combination therapy. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The study was not randomized or controlled, but an open-label trial. The study period was relatively short, i.e., 12 weeks, without any follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Tazarotene gel significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of NB-UVB irradiation with faster clearance and without serious side effects.

Micose fungoide hipocromiante na infância: avaliação de um caso clínico / Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in childhood: evaluation of a clinical case

Micose fungoide é uma neoplasia dos linfócitos T helper que afeta a pele e geralmente não apresenta manifestações extracutâneas por muitos anos. Já a micose fungoide hipocromiante (MFH) corresponde a um subtipo daquela com melhor prognóstico e que se apresenta com lesões hipocrômicas a acrômicas, com distribuição mais comum em tronco, regiões proximais de extremidades e cintura pélvica. O diagnóstico é firmado pela apresentação clínica aliada à histopatologia, que evidencia epidermotropismo com linfócitos atípicos. A doença geralmente apresenta boa resposta ao tratamento, o qual pode ser realizado com fototerapia com raios ultravioleta A (UVA), ultravioleta B (UVB), mostarda nitrogenada tópica, carmustina tópica e irradiação cutânea com elétrons. Descreve-se o caso de uma criança com máculas hipocrômicas que surgiram inicialmente no abdome, posteriormente se estendendo para raiz de coxas e região inguinal. As lesões apresentavam descamação fina, porém sem eritema ou prurido e ausência de linfonodomegalia palpável. A princípio o caso foi conduzido como eczemátide hipocromiante, mas o paciente apresentou agravamento importante das lesões em poucos meses apesar do tratamento, sendo assim, aventada a hipótese diagnóstica de MFH. Duas biópsias de pele foram realizadas, e os exames anatomopatológico e imunohistoquímica evidenciaram certo epidermotropismo, mas sem atipia de linfócitos. Foi orientado helioterapia domiciliar, com exposição corporal de 10 minutos no período da manhã, além do uso de emolientes e cuidados gerais com a pele, com relativa boa resposta. O acompanhamento é semestral e caso haja modificação do quadro, a biópsia com estudo histopatológico e a imunohistoquímica serão realizados novamente. (AU)

Mycosis fungoides is a type of cancer of the T helper lymphocytes that affects the skin and generally has no extracutaneous manifestations for many years. Otherwise, hypopigmented mycosis fungoides corresponds to a subtype with better prognosis and presents as hypopigmented or achromatic lesions, with more widespread distribution in the trunk, proximal parts of extremities and pelvic girdle. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical presentation and histopathology, which shows epidermotropism and atypical lymphocytes. The disease usually show good response to treatment, which is performed with phototherapy with ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), topical nitrogen mustard, topical carmustine and cutaneous irradiation with electrons. We describe the case of a child with hypochromic taint that initially appeared in the abdomen, later extending to root thighs and groin. The lesions had fine scaling, absence of erythema or itching, without the presence of palpable lymph node enlargement. At first the case was conducted as pytiriasis alba, but the patient had significant aggravation of injuries in a few months in spite of the treatment, thus mooted diagnosis of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides. Two skin biopsies were performed, and the histological and immunohistochemical tests showed epidermotropism but no atypia of lymphocytes. It was guided home heliotherapy, with body exposure of 10 minutes in the morning, besides the use of emollients and general skin care, with a relatively good response. The follow-up is bi-annually and if there is a modification in the condition, the biopsy with histopathological study and immunohistochemistry will be performed again. (AU)

Penfigoide buloso nodular tratado exitosamente con fototerapia UVB banda angosta / Pemphigoid nodularis successfully treated with narrow band UVB phototherapy

El Penfigoide nodular es una variante clínica poco frecuente de penfigoide buloso. Corresponde a una dermatosis ampollar subepidérmica, crónica, autoinmune, caracterizada por auto anticuerpos contra antígenos específicos de hemidesmosomas en la unión dermo-epidérmica. Su incidencia es desconocida. La etiopatogenia aún no es entendida del todo. Se presenta clínicamente como una superposición de características de pénfigo buloso y prurigo nodular. El diagnóstico se basa en hallazgos clínicos e inmunopatológicos. La histopatología con inmunofluorescencia directa es el gold standard para el diagnóstico. El manejo es difícil, tiene mala respuesta a corticoides potentes locales, siendo necesario el uso de corticoides sistémicos y diferentes inmunosupresores solos o combinados junto a antihistamínicos para el manejo de prurito intenso. Se presenta un caso de pénfigo nodular, donde destaca su buena respuesta a terapia combinada con metotrexato y luz UVB de banda angosta.

Pemphigoid Nodularis is a rare clinical variant of bullous pemphigoid. It is considered an autoimmune, chronic, subepidermal blistering dermatosis, characterized by antibodies against hemidesmosome-specific antigens at the dermo-epidermal junction. Its incidence is unknown and its etiopathogenetic not fully understood. Clinically, it presents with overlapping features of bullous pemphigoid and prurigo nodularis. The diagnosis is based on clinical and immunopathological findings, being the histopathological study with immunofluorescence the gold standard. The management is difficult; since it has a poor response to local potent corticosteroids, requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids and different immunosuppressants alone or combined with antihistamines for the intense pruritus. We present a case of nodularis pemphigoid, highlighting the good response to the combination of methotrexate and phototherapy with narrow band UVB.

Llega la primavera y florecen los eritemas polimorfos solares / Spring arrives and with it the polymorphous light eruption

El eritema polimorfo solar es la fotodermatosis más frecuente y suele aparecer en primavera con la primera exposición intensa al sol. Sus manifestaciones cutáneas son variadas y el diagnóstico se basa en la clínica junto al antecedente de exposición solar. En los casos leves, la fotoprotección suele ser suficiente para el control de la enfermedad, pero en formas más graves se requieren otras terapéuticas, como corticoides, antihistamínicos, o fototerapia, que genera una "fotoadaptación" de las áreas de piel afectadas. Presentamos un caso típico de erupción polimorfa solar que respondió de forma adecuada a medidas de fotoprotección. (AU)

The polymorphic solar eruption is the most frequent photodermatosis, and usually appears in spring with the first intense exposure to the sun. It has multiple cutaneous manifestations, and its diagnosis is based on the clinic and the antecedent of solar exposition. In mild cases, photoprotection is usually enough to control the disease, but in more severe forms, other therapies are required, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or phototherapy to generate a "photo-adaptation" of the affected skin areas. We present a typical case of polymorphic solar eruption that responded adequately to photoprotection measurements. (AU)

Narrowband UV-B phototherapy in childhood atopic dermatitis: efficacy and safety

Abstract: Background: Narrow-band UVB is the most innovative steroid sparing treatment in atopic dermatitis. There are studies showing efficacy of Narrow-band UVB in childhood atopic dermatitis, but there is lack of clinical trials in the literature determining the length of remission. Therefore, we sought to highlight its efficacy, safety and its post-treatment efficacy in childhood atopic dermatitis. Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety of Narrow-band UVB in the treatment of paediatric atopic dermatitis and length of remission during 2 years of post-treatment follow-up. Methods: Thirty children (4-14 years) having moderate to severe AD (SCORAD index > 25) were enrolled for 12 weeks. Narrow-band UVB phototherapy was administered twice a week on non-consecutive days for three months. SCORAD index was calculated by the same dermatologist at baseline, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th treatment session. Secondary outcomes were measured using visual analog scale for pruritus and sleep loss. Patients were also followed-up for 2 years to know the length of remission after end of therapy. Results: There was a significant reduction in SCORAD index at 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th treatment session in comparison to baseline. This improvement in SCORAD was also maintained during the 2 years of post-treatment follow-up period. Consequently, pruritus and sleep loss improved significantly from baseline to end of therapy and even during the 1st and 2nd year of follow-up. Study limitation: Open-label trial without control group. Conclusions: Narrow-band UVB is an efficacious and safe modality of treatment in childhood atopic dermatitis with good therapeutic index and minimal side effects.

Fototerapia UVB banda estrecha en el tratamiento de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped crónica cutánea: reporte de caso / Narrowband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of cutaneous chronic graft versus host disease: case report

Resumen La enfermedad injerto contra huésped crónica (EICHc) es una complicación frecuente en los pacientes que reciben trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos (TPH) alogénico, siendo la piel el órgano más frecuentemente afectado. La EICHc cutánea se presenta con lesiones esclerodermiformes y no esclerodermiformes y frecuentemente requiere tratamiento con inmunosupresores sistémicos, fotoféresis extracorpórea o fototerapia. Los inmunosupresores tienen el potencial de producir importantes efectos adversos, por lo que terapias con mejor perfil de seguridad son claramente necesarias. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 11 años a quien se le realizó un TPH haploidéntico como tratamiento de una leucemia linfocítica aguda. En su evolución desarrolló EICHc cutánea esclerodermiforme. La paciente recibió tratamiento con luz ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBbe), respondiendo satisfactoriamente en los 2 primeros meses. Existen múltiples reportes y series de casos exitosos sobre el tratamiento con fototerapia en distintas modalidades. En relación a la fototerapia con UVBbe, la literatura es escasa, sin embargo, muestran importantes resultados tanto en las formas esclerodermiformes y no esclerodermiformes de la EICHc cutánea y un buen perfil de seguridad. De todas formas, se requieren estudios prospectivos controlados a gran escala para determinar su efectividad como terapia adjuvante o incluso de primera línea y para definir los esquemas terapéuticos y dosis más efectivas.

Summary Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCTs), and the skin is the most common site of involvement. Chronic cutaneous GVHD can present with sclerotic or nonsclerotic changes and often requires treatment with systemic immunosuppressants, extracorporeal photopheresis, or phototherapy. Immunosuppressants carry the potential of causing important side effects, so additional modes of therapy with better security profiles are clearly needed. We report a case of an eleven year old girl, who received allogeneic HCTs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. She developed sclerotic chronic GVHD. The patient underwent treatment with narrowband UV-B phototherapy, and a significant improvement was seen over the first 2 months. There are a number of successful series and case reports on different forms of phototherapy. In relation to narrowband UV-B phototherapy, literature is scarce, although shows important results in sclerotic and nonsclerotic forms of chronic cutaneous GVHD and a good safety profile have been seen. Anyway, large-scale controlled prospective trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of phototherapy as adjuvant o even first-line therapy, and to establish the most effective therapy schemes and doses.

Topographic outcomes after corneal collagen crosslinking in progressive keratoconus: 1-year follow-up / Resultados topográficos após crosslinking de colágeno corneano em ceratocone progressivo: 1 ano de seguimento

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to report and analyze topographic and refractive outcomes following corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC). Methods: We performed a retrospective, analytical, and observational study of 100 eyes from 74 progressive KC patients who underwent CXL at the Eye Hospital of Paraná. Keratometric values were analyzed preoperatively as well as 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: For a total of 100 eyes, 68 belonged to male patients. The mean age of our study population was 19.9 ± 5.61 years. The average visual acuity and topographic parameters overall were stable after 1 year (p<0.05). After 3 months, steepest keratometry reading (K2) and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Regarding topographic astigmatism (dK), there was no significant difference between the 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. When we made comparisons between genders following CXL, there were no significant differences related to the changes in Kmax, K2, and spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (SCDVA). Conclusions: CXL promoted stabilization or improvement of keratometric values and visual acuity. We found that keratoconus apex stability may be achieved 3 months after the procedure. There was no significant difference in keratometric and refractive values measured between male and female patients.

RESUMO Objetivos: Relatar e analisar os resultados topográficos e refracionais após crosslinking de colágeno corneano (CXL) em pacientes com ceratocone (KC) progressivo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo analítico e observacional incluindo 100 olhos de 74 pacientes com KC progressivo submetidos a CXL no Hospital de Olhos do Paraná. Valores ceratométricos foram analisados no pré-operatório, 3 e 12 meses de pós-operatório. Resultados: Em um total de 100 olhos, 68 eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 19,9 ± 5,61. As médias de parâmetros topográficos e acuidade visual em geral, tiveram estabilidade após 1 ano de follow-up (p<0,05). Após 3 meses, a ceratometria mais curva (K2) e a ceratometria máxima (Kmax) tiveram reduções estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05). Em relação ao astigmatismo topográfico (dK), não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa aos 3 e 12 meses de seguimento. Comparando ambos os sexos após o procedimento, não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas relacionadas às mudanças em Kmax, K2 e acuidade visual corrigida. Conclusões: CXL promoveu a estabilidade ou melhora dos valores ceratométricos e da acuidade visual. Encontramos que a estabilidade do ápice do KC pode ser obtida nos três primeiros meses de follow-up. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos valores topográficos e refracionais medidos entre pacientes do sexo masculino e feminino.

Granuloma annulare treated with narrowband UVB phototherapy

Abstract Granuloma annulare is a benign cutaneous inflammatory disease, whose lesions have spontaneous improvement in two years in 50% of cases, but there is recurrence in 40% of patients. Treatment may be topical, intralesional or systemic. The use of phototherapy with narrowband UVB is highlighted, whose mechanism of action in this disease is still unclear, probably related to the inhibition of T lymphocytes. Herein, a case of a disseminated granuloma annulare of difficult therapeutic management is described. It was treated with narrowband UVB phototherapy twice a week for six months, with good clinical improvement, being a good low-risk therapeutic option and that, in this case, provided quick and satisfactory response.

C-reactive protein serum level in patients with psoriasis before and after treatment with narrow-band ultraviolet B

Abstract: Background: C-reactive protein is an inflammatory biomarker and its level increases in the serum of psoriatic patients. Its level is also associated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the decrement of serum C-reactive protein level with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy. Methods: C-reactive protein serum levels in psoriasis patients were measured before and after treatment with NB-UVB and the data were analyzed in relation to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score improvement. Results: Baseline C-reactive protein levels among psoriatic patients were higher than normal. These levels decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.001). At the beginning of the study, patients with higher levels of C-reactive protein also had more extensive and severe skin involvement. The highest decrease in C-reactive protein was observed in patients who responded better to the treatment and achieved a higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75%. There was an association between baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and C-reactive protein levels. Conclusion: Patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis had active systemic inflammation, which was demonstrated by increased levels of C-reactive protein. Furthermore, skin disease severity was correlated with C-reactive protein levels. Phototherapy healed the psoriatic skin lesions and reduced inflammation, while decreasing C-reactive protein levels.

Combination therapy of orally administered glycyrrhizin and UVB improved active-stage generalized vitiligo

Glycyrrhizin has been used clinically for several years due to its beneficial effect on immunoglobulin E (IgE)-induced allergic diseases, alopecia areata and psoriasis. In this study, glycyrrhizin, ultraviolet B light (UVB) or a combination of both were used to treat active-stage generalized vitiligo. One hundred and forty-four patients between the ages of 3 and 48 years were divided into three groups: group A received oral compound glycyrrhizin (OCG); group B received UVB applications twice weekly, and group C received OCG+UVB. Follow-ups were performed at 2, 4, and 6 months after the treatment was initiated. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) instrument were used to assess the affected body surface, at each follow-up. Results showed that 77.1, 75.0 and 87.5% in groups A, B and C, respectively, presented repigmentation of lesions. Responsiveness to therapy seemed to be associated with lesion location and patient compliance. Adverse events were limited and transient. This study showed that, although the three treatment protocols had positive results, OCG and UVB combination therapy was the most effective and led to improvement in disease stage from active to stable.

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.

Pitiriasis liquenoide: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Pityriasis Lichenoides: Case report and review of the literature

Introducción: La pitiriasis liquenoide es una enfermedad inflamatoria benigna de causa desconocida. Tiene dos formas de presentación: una forma aguda (PLEVA, pitiriasis liquenoide y varioliforme aguda) y otra crónica (PLC, pitiriasis liquenoide crónica). Ambas son más frecuentes en niños y adultos jóvenes. Objetivo: Describir un caso de PLC, comentar su presentación clínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento, y revisar la literatura. Caso clínico: Escolar de 7 años que presentó episodios recurrentes de lesiones tipo pápulas eritematocostrosas brillantes de distribución centrípeta, oligosintomáticas, que desaparecían dejando máculas hipopigmentadas. La biopsia de las lesiones confirmó una pitiriasis liquenoide crónica. Durante los 3 años de seguimiento se realizaron múltiples esquemas de tratamiento para atenuar las reagudizaciones, logrando una respuesta parcial. Conclusión: La PLC es una enfermedad infrecuente que representa un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico para el médico. El diagnóstico de esta entidad se sospecha por la clínica y se confirma con la histología. No tiene tratamiento específico pero presenta buena respuesta a corticoides, antibióticos, inmunosupresores y fototerapia UVB de banda angosta (UVB-nb). Esta última es la que ha reportado los mejores resultados. Es importante el seguimiento de los pacientes por el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades linfoproliferativas.

Introduction: Pityriasis lichenoides is a benign inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. There are two types of this condition: an acute form (PLEVA = pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta) and a chronic one (PLC = pityriasis lichenoid chronica). Both are more common in children and young adults. Objective: To describe a case of PLC, discuss its clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and present a review of the literature. Case Report: A seven-year-old child who presented with recurrent oligosymptomatic episodes of bright erythematous papular lesions in centripetal distribution, which subsided and left behind hypopigmented macules. The biopsy of the lesions confirmed chronic pityriasis lichenoid. During the 3 years of follow-up, multiple treatment regimens were used to reduce exacerbations, resulting in a partial response. Conclusion: PLC is a rare disease that represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the physician. The diagnosis of this condition is suspected clinically and confirmed by histology. It does not have specific treatment, but it responds well to corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants and phototherapy with UVB narrowband (UVBnb). The latter has given the best results. It is important to monitor patients for risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders.