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) - Higgins, Eleanor
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.