A randomised half body prospective study of low and medium dose regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser in the treatment of localised psoriasis. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higgins, Eleanor; Ralph, Nicola; Ryan, Sheila; Koik, Nicola; Honari, Bahman; Lally, Aoife; Collins, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 28:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Phototherapy -- ultraviolet B treatment; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2016.1170758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

Abstract: This study compared two dose-escalation regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser treating localised plaque psoriasis, to determine the optimal regimen. A randomised, left–right body trial was designed including patients aged >18 years with localised plaque psoriasis (<10% body surface area). The standard/low dose regimen started at 70% of the minimal erythema dose (MED), with 20% dose increments. The medium dose regimen commenced at 200% MED, with 25% increments. Patients were treated until disease clearance or a maximum of 36 treatments. Fifteen patients aged 28–55 years completed the study. Psoriasis severity index scores analysed at weeks 0, 6 and 12 showed a significant reduction with each regimen ( p < 0.0001). Six patients cleared, seven had significant improvement with uneven clearance of plaques and two failed. Average remission was four months (range 1–12 months). There was a significant reduction in DLQI ( p = 0.014). Excimer laser improved psoriasis and reduced DLQI scores, but clearance was incomplete for many patients and remission was short-lived. Adverse effects of pain and blistering were commoner with the medium dose regimen, without any benefit in psoriasis clearance.