Predictive Model for Response Rate to Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Vitiligo: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 579 Patients

R Cabrera, L Hojman, F Recule, R Sepulveda, I Delgado
2018 Acta Dermato-Venereologica  
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder. To date, there is no predictive model for its response rate to narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the different types of response of patients with non-segmental vitiligo undergoing NBUVB 3 times a week. Many patients who were previously considered non-responders were given the opportunity to continue the treatment. Longterm maintenance of treatment and follow-up of a cohort of 579 patients
more » ... different subtypes of response (very rapid, rapid, average, slow and "nonresponders") to be described for the first time, and a predictive model of response to be constructed based on repigmentation rate in the first 48 sessions of NBUVB. Among those patients who did not respond during the first 48 sessions, a new subgroup of patients was found, termed "very-slow" responders, who achieved a low, but significant, level of repigmentation after 96 sessions of NBUVB.
doi:10.2340/00015555-2889 pmid:29362810 fatcat:hhliu4ngg5clte3y5my2fxkxri