Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in children with moderate-to-severe eczema: a comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND: There is only retrospective evidence for the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in children with eczema. OBJECTIVES: To measure the difference in means for objective scores [Six Area Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis score (SASSAD), percentage surface area] and quality-of-life scores, between patients treated with NB-UVB and unexposed cohorts at the end of treatment, and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. METHODS: Twenty-nine children aged 3-16 years for whom NB-UVB was indicated, were scored prospectively using SASSAD and percentage surface area involvement at baseline, at 12 weeks (end of treatment) and 3 and 6 months post-NB-UVB. Their scores were compared with those of unexposed children (n = 26) for whom NB-UVB phototherapy was indicated and offered, but who chose not to undertake treatment. RESULTS: There was a 61% reduction in mean SASSAD score in the NB-UVB cohort compared with an increase of 6% in the unexposed cohort. Mean SASSAD score for the NB-UVB cohort at the end of treatment was 11.6 vs. 24.8 for the unexposed; difference in means -13.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) -18.7 to -7.7, P < 0.0001]. Mean surface area involvement at the end of treatment was 11% for the NB-UVB cohort vs. 36% for the unexposed cohort; difference in means -25% (95% CI -34% to -16%, P < 0.0001). Subjective and quality-of-life scores showed significant difference between cohorts at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Objective scores remained significantly lower than in the unexposed cohort 3 and 6 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: NB-UVB is clinically effective and improves quality of life in children with moderate-to-severe eczema. The effect is maintained for 6 months after treatment.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

There is only retrospective evidence for the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in children with eczema.

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