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Treatment of vitiligo using targeted UVB-Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)- phototherapy: Evaluation of variables affecting therapeutic success

  • Therapy
  • Published:
European Journal of Dermatology

Abstract

Background

Targeted UVB intense pulsed light (IPL)-phototherapy has gained interest for repigmentation of vitiligo as it allows selective treatment, sparing the surrounding skin. However, optimal treatment frequency and duration are not known.

Objectives

We compared the efficacy and safety of two treatment protocols, weekly and every two weeks, for a maximum of 12 months. Variables affecting treatment response were evaluated.

Patients & Methods

22 patients (16 female, 6 male; aged 15–67 years) with generalised vitiligo were evaluated retrospectively. UVB-IPL had been administered weekly (13 patients, group A), or every second week (9 patients, group B). In cases of no response, treatment stopped after 6 months. Regimentation was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results

After 6 months, 12/13 patients (A), 3/9 patients (B) showed repigmentation. Due to lack of success, treatment was stopped after 6 months in 1 groupApatient and 6/9 group B patients. After 12 months, lesions on the face and trunk in groupAshowed a mean of 70 ± 27% and 60 ± 29% repigmentation, respectively. Moderate to good repigmentation was seen in 78% of group A patients on the ulnar region on the forearms and the shins. Side effects were minimal. Treatment success depended on treatment frequency, number of treatments and the anatomical site of lesions.

Conclusions

UVB-IPL phototherapy seems to be effective and well-tolerated in non-segmental vitiligo. A treatment frequency of weekly intervals rather than every two weeks appears preferable. Our observations will help in designing a sufficiently powered prospective clinical trial to test this hypothesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Anke Hartmann, Anne Schmidt-Habel, Lisa Löhberg, Jörg Zajitschek, Saskia Eichner & Gerold Schuler

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany

    Matthias Englbrecht

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  1. Anke Hartmann
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  2. Anne Schmidt-Habel
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  3. Lisa Löhberg
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  4. Jörg Zajitschek
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  5. Matthias Englbrecht
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  6. Saskia Eichner
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  7. Gerold Schuler
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Correspondence to Anke Hartmann.

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Hartmann, A., Schmidt-Habel, A., Löhberg, L. et al. Treatment of vitiligo using targeted UVB-Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)- phototherapy: Evaluation of variables affecting therapeutic success. Eur J Dermatol 24, 551–559 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2014.2398

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2014.2398

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