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A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of pseudocatalase cream and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo
Article first published online: 22 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09252.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2009 British Association of Dermatologists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bakis-Petsoglou, S., Le Guay, J. and Wittal, R. (2009), A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of pseudocatalase cream and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo. British Journal of Dermatology, 161: 910–917. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09252.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 SEP 2009
- Article first published online: 22 APR 2009
- Accepted for publication 30 March 2009
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Keywords:
- clinical trial;
- depigmentation;
- narrowband ultraviolet B;
- pseudocatalase;
- randomized controlled trial;
- vitiligo
Summary
Background Pseudocatalase cream in conjunction with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has previously been reported to result in repigmentation of vitiliginous skin.
Objectives The purpose of this 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-centre trial was to assess the efficacy of pseudocatalase cream and NB-UVB vs. placebo and NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo.
Methods Patients with active vitiligo on their face and/or hands applied either pseudocatalase cream or placebo to their whole body, twice daily for 24 weeks. NB-UVB therapy was administered three times a week for the duration of the trial. Efficacy was assessed primarily by digital image analysis of photographs.
Results Thirty-two patients were randomized to either the pseudocatalase arm (n = 14) or placebo (n = 18). Between-group analysis did not show a statistically significant improvement in percentage area affected in the pseudocatalase cream group when compared with placebo. However, a statistically significant improvement was found within each group by week 12, which was maintained throughout the study.
Conclusions NB-UVB treatment is a moderately effective treatment for vitiligo. Pseudocatalase cream does not appear to add any incremental benefit to NB-UVB alone.