Phototherapy
Return to Library
|
Free Phototherapy Articles |
|
|
|
|
Data on vitiligo detailed by researchers at Tor Vergata University
2009 AUG 24 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research from Rome, Italy, "Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1-4% of the world's population. Conventional therapies include steroids, photosensitive topical agents, surgical treatments, and phototherapy." "The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of monochromatic excimer light 308 nm (MEL), both as a monotherapy and in combination with khellin 4% ointment in vitiligo. Forty-height patients (36 male and 12 female) affected with vitiligo were enrolled in this open prospective study. were selected and divided into three groups: group I included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm once-weekly and oral vitamin E; group II included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm once-weekly combined with khellin 4% ointment (MEL-K) and oral vitamin E; group III (control group) included 16 patients treated only with oral vitamin E. Efficacy was assessed at the end of 12 weeks based on the percentage of repigmentation. Group I (MEL-group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 10/16 (62.5%), and excellent repigmentation in 4/16 (25%) patients. Group II (MEL-K group) presented moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 5/16 (31.25%), and excellent repigmentation in 9/16 (56.25%). Group III (control group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 3/16 patients (18.75%), a good repigmentation in 1/16 (6.25%) patient, while 10/16 (62.5%) patients did not show signs of repigmentation. The clinical response achieved in group I and II was higher compared with group III (control group) without showing significant differences," wrote R. Saraceno and colleagues, Tor Vergata University. The researchers concluded: "MEL 308 nm, alone and/or combined with khellin 4% offered encouraging results and it may be considered a valid therapeutic option worthy of consideration in the treatment of vitiligo.." Saraceno and colleagues published their study in Dermatologic Therapy (Monochromatic excimer light 308 nm in monotherapy and combined with topical khellin 4% in the treatment of vitiligo: a controlled study. Dermatologic Therapy, 2009;22(4):391-394). For additional information, contact R. Saraceno, Roma Tor Vergata University, Dept. of Dermatology, Policinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, I-00133 Rome, Italy. Publisher contact information for the journal Dermatologic Therapy is: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA. Keywords: Italy, Rome, Alternative Medicine, Biotechnology, Clinical Trial Research, Conventional Therapies, Dermatology, Dietary Supplement, Micronutrient, Photomedicine, Therapy, Treatment, Vitamin E, Vitiligo, Tor Vergata University. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
|
