Comparison of Phototherapy in Pediatric and Adult Patients.

INTRODUCTION

Phototherapy involves the use of UV radiation to treat different dermatologic diseases. Its efficacy and safety have been thoroughly established in adults and some publications indicate that it is also an effective and safe treatment in pediatric patients with refractory skin diseases.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Retrospective study that included all patients under 17 years of age and 122 randomly selected adults who received phototherapy in our department between 2002 and 2017.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight pediatric patients (61% girls and 39% boys) with a mean age of 10.5 years received phototherapy. The 3 most frequently treated diseases were psoriasis (48% of patients), vitiligo (17%), and atopic dermatitis (16%). Eighty-six percent of the patients received phototherapy with narrowband UV-B, whereas 7% received phototherapy with psoralen and UV-A (PUVA). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of dosage, duration, or number of sessions compared to the adult population treated with narrowband UV-B therapy or PUVA. A complete response was achieved in 35% of the pediatric patients and no differences were found with respect to the adults. Only 16% of the children showed adverse effects, mostly in the form of mild erythema. We found greater adherence to treatment in the pediatric patients than in the adult patients (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Narrowband UV-B therapy and PUVA appear to be safe and effective in children and can be administered using the same treatment protocols as those used in adults. Adherence to treatment is greater in children than in adult patients.