Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Aileen Taylor
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
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.
Author(s): Darne S, Leech SN, Taylor AEM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology
Year: 2014
Volume: 170
Issue: 1
Pages: 150-156
Print publication date: 13/01/2014
ISSN (print): 0007-0963
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2133
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.12580
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12580
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric