Narrowband UVB therapy vs narrowband UVB and pimecrolimus in childhood vitiligo: A randomised controlled study

Binodini Behera; Vivekanandh.K; Prasenjeet Mohanty; Bharati Sahu; Archana Jayakumar; Gaurav Dash

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Narrowband UVB therapy vs narrowband UVB and pimecrolimus in childhood vitiligo: A randomised controlled study

Binodini Behera, Vivekanandh. K, Prasenjeet Mohanty, Bharati Sahu, Archana Jayakumar, Gaurav Dash

Abstract :

Background: Narrow–band ultraviolet B (NB–UVB) and pimecrolimus are proven safe options in childhood vitiligo. Aims: To compare efficacy of NB–UVB with pimecrolimus vs only NB–UVB in childhood vitiligo. Methods: Eighty patients were randomized into two groups and treated with NB–UVB in group A and NB–UVB with pimecrolimus in group B for 6 months. Tri–weekly radiation was started at 280 mJ/cm², with 10% increments for each subsequent treatment until minimal erythema dose was reached. Photodocumentation was done in each visit and follow–up was done for 6 months to detect any relapse. Results: Good to excellent response in the face and neck lesions was 95% in Group B vs 50%in Group A (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the repigmentation rate on other body areas. No significant side effects were observed in both groups. Conclusion: NB–UVB works better if combined with pimecrolimus 1% cream over face and neck lesions.