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  • Title: A comparison of three times vs. five times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
    Author: Hallaji Z, Barzegari M, Balighi K, Mansoori P, Taheri A, Mansoori P.
    Journal: Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed; 2010 Feb; 26(1):10-5. PubMed ID: 20070833.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of three and five times weekly NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were allocated to receive three or five times weekly NB-UVB, starting at low dose. RESULTS: Among the patients who completed the study, clearance was achieved in 18 out of 23 patients (78%) in the three times weekly group and in 15 out of 22 patients (68%) in the five times weekly group. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.44). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of treatments (P=0.95), cumulative UVB dose (P=0.51), and rate of side-effects. Length of the treatment period was significantly shorter in the five times weekly group (P<0.001). At the end of treatment, the mean psoriasis area and severity index score was lower in the three times weekly group (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend three times weekly NB-UVB for chronic plaque psoriasis; however, the more rapid clearance of psoriasis with five times weekly phototherapy may justify using this method in some patients.
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