Comparison of two modalities of phototherapy, narrowband UV-B and PUVA in the treatment of psoriasis: A study from Western Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: PUVA (psoralen + UV-A) has been used since long time ago in psoriatic patients, which has some adverse effects. Phototherapy in form of Narrowband UVB is advancement in the treatment of psoriasis and it has been found to be same efficacious and having lesser side effects than PUVA. Aim: The study was aimed to compare NBUVB and PUVA in chronic plaque psoriasis in terms of their efficacy and adverse effects. Methods: The study included 43 cases of chronic plaque psoriasis which were randomly divided into two groups. Patients were examined for body surface area involvement and PASI scoring. Narrow-band UV-B phototherapy was given to one group and the other group received PUVA therapy thrice-weekly for a duration of 3 months. Then they were compared for clearance of lesions and side effects. Results: Both groups showed decrease in the PASI scoring by at least 75%. It was observed that lesser number of treatment sessions and fewer days were required for clearance of the lesions in PUVA group than the group receiving NBUVB therapy. But in NBUVB group, mean cumulative clearance dose and adverse reactions were significantly lower. The percentage of patients maintaining remission at six months were more in PUVA group as compared to NBUVB group. Conclusion: Both modes of phototherapy are useful in psoriasis. Patients got clearance of the lesions faster in the PUVA group but the side effects were markedly less in the NBUVB group.