The efficacy of combination treatment with narrowband UVB (TL-01) and acitretin vs narrowband UVB alone in plaque-type psoriasis: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: NarrowBand Ultra Violet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) is a highly effective therapeutic modality for plaque-type psoriasis, however several hospital visits are often required. Oral acitretin is moderately effective as monotherapy, but when combined with phototherapy, its use has reduced the number of treatments required for clearing. There is only sparse data on the combination of acitretin with NB-UVB.

Material and method: Twenty nine patients with plaque-type psoriasis who were treated with NB- UVB alone or in combination with acitretin were retrospectively analyzed for treatment outcome in terms of total numbers and cumulative doses of narrowband UVB treatments. Of these, nine had the combination while 20 received NB-UVB alone.

Results: The combination of low dose acitretin (25 mg/day) and NB-UVB resulted in marked improvement of patients. The numbers of irradiation, final doses and cumulative doses of NB-UVB were lower albeit not statistically significant in the combination group. The combination was well tolerated and associated with typical retinoid and NB-UVB side effects.

Conclusion: The combination treatment with acitretin and NB-UVB in plaque-type psoriasis has more therapeutic advantages than phototherapy alone.