Influence of Narrow-Band Ultra Violet B Phototherapy on Homocysteine Status: A Prospective Study of Patients with Different Cutaneous Disorders.

Background

Artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a mainstay in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory skin disorders. Despite existence from a wealth of studies on the impact of narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) on serum levels of nutrients, clinical data on its effect on serum homocysteine (HC) level, which is thought to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, dementia, and depression, are scarce.

Objective

To assess serum HC status before and after treatment with at least 30 sessions of NBUVB exposure in patients with various cutaneous disorders.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 39 patients with psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and mycosis fungoides who underwent at least 30 sessions of NBUVB phototherapy. Serum HC was measured and compared before and after phototherapy. This study was approved by relevant ethics committee.

Results

Levels of HC decreased by 24.8% after 30 sessions of NBUVB phototherapy (10.53 ± 3.64 μmol/L vs. 7.92 ± 3.26 μmol/L, p-value <0.0001) and this decrease was more prominent in male participants and patients older than 40 years.

Conclusions

Based to our findings, NBUVB phototherapy might be a modality of choice especially for older male patients not only as an effective treatment for cutaneous conditions, but also as a modality with potential protective effects against cardio-cerebro-vascular accidents.