Treatment of psoriasis with polyethylene sheet bath PUVA.

Streit, V; Wiedow, O; Christophers, E · J Am Acad Dermatol · 1996

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

Bath PUVA has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis with fewer systemic side effects than oral methoxsalen (8-MOP). The cost of 8-MOP and the need for a bath unit have prevented wider use of this treatment. We investigated the safety and efficacy of sheet bath PUVA by restricting the volume of the psoralen/bath water solution to 10 L with the aid of a polyethylene sheet. Fifty-eight patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with bath PUVA in a concentration of 0.5 mg of 8-MOP per liter of water. The group required a median of 17 baths (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-20) for clearance. Total UVA dose for the entire group was 26 J/cm2(95% CI, 18-47). Sheet bath PUVA is safe, efficient, and easy. This regimen can significantly reduce the amount of 8-MOP required, thereby resulting in a favorable cost/benefit ratio.

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