EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF NARROW BAND ULTRAVIOLET B THERAPY IN CHRONIC PLAQUE PSORIASIS

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness and safety of narrowband ultraviolet B in chronic plaque Psoriasis. Methodology: This descriptive case series study was carried out at skin unit Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from June 2009 to Dec 2010. Sixty patients suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis, between the ages of 12 and 70 years were included in the study. Minimum erythema dose was determined in every patient according to skin types (1-6). All the patients were exposed to narrowband ultraviolet B. At zero, fourth, eighth weeks and sixteen weeks, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was determined and decision was made to increase or decrease the dose according to response of patient. Results: Out of sixty patients fifty eight patients showed response showing effectiveness of 97.1%. Two patients showed poor response. Four patients suffered from moderate erythema itching and vesicles. Conclusion: Narrowband ultraviolet B is a safe and effective therapy for chronic plaque psoriasis but long term follow up is needed to determine its carcinogenic effects.