Posts Tagged ‘UVB Narrowband’
Replacing FSX72T12/UVB/HO (7RA-072) with UVB Narrow Band TL01 Lamps
Many people ask about replacing FSX72T12/UVB/HO (7RA-072) lamps in older National Biological Corporation Panosol II (UVB604) units. It’s a fairly easy job to do. We do supply instructions on how to install UVB NB TL100W/01 lamps in the older systems at time of shipment. All the customer need do is order lamps, provide us with the serial number of the UVB604 that the lamps will be installed in and we will ensure that the FDA records are updated to reflect hat the Panolsol II unit with that serial number has been upgraded to now use UVB Narrowband Lamps.
Best thing to do is email us (support@amjo.net) or give us a call 513-942-2770 and we can get the ball rolling for you.
UVB NB vs PUVA Treatment for Mycosis Fungoides.
The full article publication is entitled “Efficacy of narrowband UVB vs. PUVA in patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides.” prepared by Ponte P, Serrão V, Apetato M. at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
Introduction Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphoma of the skin that often begins as limited patches and plaques with slow progression to systemic involvement. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B therapy has been proven to be an effective short-term treatment modality for clearing patch-stage MF. The effect of psoralen plus long-wave ultraviolet A (PUVA) in the treatment of patch- and plaque-type MF has also been thoroughly documented. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of narrowband UVB and PUVA in patients with early-stage MF. Methods We analysed the response to treatment, relapse-free survival and irradiation dose in 114 patients with histologically confirmed early-stage MF (stage IA, IB and IIA). Results A total of 95 patients were treated with PUVA (83.3%) and 19 with narrowband UVB (16.7%). With PUVA, 59 patients (62.1%) had a complete response (CR), 24 (25.3%) had a partial response (PR) and 12 (12.6%) had a failed response. Narrowband UVB led to CR in 12 (68.4%) patients, PR in 5 (26.3%) patients and a failed response in 1 (5.3%) patient. There were no differences in terms of time to relapse between patients treated with PUVA and those treated with narrowband UVB (11.5 vs. 14.0 months respectively; P = 0.816). No major adverse reactions were attributed to the treatment. Conclusions Our results confirm that phototherapy is a safe, effective and well-tolerated, first-line therapy in patients with early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with prolonged disease-free remissions being achieved.
Phototherapy Is Focus of New Psoriasis Guidelines
One of the realities we live with at Amjo is that many derms look at UV Phototherapy as a last resort. The typical derm would prefer to prescribe biologics and other ointments and salves, many of which expose the patient to higher risks than UVB Narrowband Phototherapy. The article below is one of the few that I’ve come across recommending UV Phototherapy.
The American Academy of Dermatology’s latest guidelines on the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis focus on phototherapy.
Despite therapeutic advances in recent years, phototherapy remains an important treatment option for patients with psoriasis, according to Dr. Alan Menter, chairman of the division of dermatology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, and his associates.
Vitiligo and Skin Cancer: Are you at risk?
Dr. James Nordlund
Today I was reading the Winter Newsletter from Vitiligo Support International and one of the articles was edited and vetted by Dr. James Nordlund here in Cincinnati.
An often-expressed concern of both vitiligo patients and dermatologists is whether having vitiligo increases one’s risk for non-melanoma and/or melanoma skin cancer and if ultraviolet light therapy is a safe treatment. Though there are limited, but growing data, on this subject, key observations have been made which can help both the individual with vitiligo and dermatologist to better assess this risk. To effectively address the question, the information has been separated into these categories.
- Do vitiligo patients in general have an increased incidence of skin cancer?
- Do vitiligo patients have an increased risk of non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in their depigmented lesions?
- Do vitiligo patients have an increased risk of melanoma and/or NMSC in their “normal” skin?
Melanin is the substance that gives the skin its color, with darker skin having higher melanin levels. Melanin acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from ultraviolet light which helps prevent sunburn damage that could result in DNA changes and, subsequently, melanoma. The assumption by many has been that that because the depigmented skin affected by vitiligo has no melanin, that the patient would be more susceptible to some types of skin cancer.
Because there are no melanocytes in depigmented skin, it would be biologically impossible to develop in depigmented skin a melanoma the most serious type of skin cancer. The other forms, the so called basal epithelioma, could develop but are easily treated and are not life threatening.
Unfortunately there are no great statistical studies on cancer in vitiligo. However most research and/or observations indicate that while non melanoma skin cancers do occur in vitiligo patients, they are very rare and melanomas in the normal skin occur at most, in no greater incidence than within the normal population.
An interesting observation on this subject was reported in the book Vitiligo: A Monograph on the Basic and Clinical Science, by Seung-Kyung Hann and James J. Nordlund. Dr. Nordlund observed that in East African countries near the equator, where few work indoors and sunscreen is unavailable, that people with vitiligo not only do not appear to get skin cancer, they exhibit little sun damage to their skin. Other studies also agree that vitiligo patients generally do not demonstrate sun-induced skin damage, despite the lack of protective melanin in the skin.
Ultraviolet light, both natural sunlight and artificial light in PUVA, Excimer laser and narrowband UVB, is an important therapeutic tool for vitiligo. To date, most studies agree that light used in accordance with a supervised treatment plan is a safe, effective method for treating vitiligo. More long term studies will be needed to further assess any skin cancer risk from these treatments.
VSI would like to thank Dr. James J. Nordlund, Professor of Dermatology, Group Health Associates, Cincinnati, OH and Wright State School of Medicine, for his significant contributions to, and medical review of this article.
Narrowband UVB Repigments Vitiligo Lesions.
This is from an article written by Damian McNamara of Skin and Allergy News in an article published in February of 2008.
TORONTO — Narrowband ultraviolet B treatment is effective for repigmentation of vitiligo lesions, according to ratings from 50 patients and their physicians. The technique was particularly successful for lesions on the face and body and less helpful on the hands and feet.
UVA-1 may have the edge over UVBNB in treating Scleroderma
TITLE: A randomized controlled study of low-dose UVA1, medium-dose UVA1, and narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized scleroderma.
Kreuter A, Hyun J, Stücker M, Sommer A, Altmeyer P, Gambichler T.
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
BACKGROUND: In previous trials, UV therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of localized scleroderma (LS). To date, a randomized comparison study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different, commonly used phototherapeutic modalities in LS is still outstanding.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of
- low-dose (LD) UVA1,
- medium-dose (MD) UVA1, and
- narrowband (NB) UVB phototherapy in the treatment of LS.
METHODS: Sixty four patients with LS were consecutively included in a prospective, open, randomized controlled 3-arm study. Severity of LS was determined by means of a clinical score, and clinical improvement was also monitored by histopathologic analysis and 20-MHz ultrasound.
RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were treated with LD UVA1 (20 J/cm2), 18 patients received MD UVA1 (50 J/cm2), and 19 patients were treated with NB UVB dependent on their skin type. Phototherapy was performed 5 times weekly for 8 weeks. Two of the 64 patients included in this trial discontinued therapy. Skin status significantly improved in all patients who finished the treatment protocol, resulting in a reduction of the clinical score in all groups (LD UVA1, 7.6-5.0 [P < .001, 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.4]; MD UVA1, 11.1-6.6 [P < .001, 95% confidence interval 2.5-6.2]; NB UVB, 7.3-4.9 [P < .001, 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.2]). The reduction of the score was accompanied by an improvement of the visual analog scale for itching and tightness, histologic score, and 20-MHz ultrasound. MD UVA1 was significantly more effective than NB UVB (P < .05). There were no significant differences between LD UVA1 and NB UVB and the former and MD UVA1 (P > .05).
LIMITATIONS: We had a relatively small study sample and nonblinded assessment of primary outcome.
CONCLUSION: Phototherapy, as previously reported in several noncontrolled trials, is an effective therapeutic option in LS, with a favorable risk/benefit ratio. UVA1 phototherapy should be considered among the first approaches in the management of LS.
Link to PubMed Article: << Click Here >>
NOTE: Amjo does offer UVA-1 Products at www.HomePhotoTherapy.com
Can I get a sun burn from UVB Narrow Band?
The answer is yes but it’s more of a challenge than with UVB Broadband. One of the best features of UVB Narrow Band is that it has an excellent “therapeutic” effect with less risk of a sunburn. How can that be? The answer is quite simple. Our skin is sensitive to all forms of ultraviolet light and from a sunburn viewpoint, our skin is most sensitive to UV light between about 290 nm (nano meters) and 305 nm. Take a look at the graph below.
The Green area is UVB NB and only a small amount of the UVB NB energy is inside our skin's most sensitive wavelengths.
Clinical studies have shown that the peak therapeutic effectiveness of UVB to be between 295 to 313 nm and that wavelengths below (shorter) than roughly 300 nm are more likely to cause a strong erythemal response or severe burning. UVB Narrow Band is in the 311-313 nm range and causes less burning than shorter wavelengths.
The area under the blue curve is UVB BB (Broadband) and as one can see, a significant amount of the energy of UVB BB is inside the area of the curve defining our skin’s tendency to burn.
UVB NB is not totally foolproof but one does have to work harder to get a sunburn!
More info: << Click Here >>
UVB Narrow Band - A Description
Narrow Band Ultra Violet B Light is a relatively new technology on the vitiligo front. In the past, most doctors have used the PUVA system, which involved the use of Ultra Violet A light exposure and the taking of Psoralen pills. However, side effects for many people were unbearable. Narrow Band UVB light panels and cabinets solve the problems of over-exposure to ultraviolet by maximizing delivery of narrow-band UVB radiation (in the 311-312 nanometer range, the most beneficial component of natural sunlight) while minimizing exposure to superfluous UV radiation.
Vitiligo Blog Found
Recently I became aware of a blog that’s been running for some time, the blog focuses on Vitiligo and the author whose name is not published on the blog does have a couple of articles on UVB NB used in Vitiligo Treatment. The blog can be found at http://www.vitiligoskindisorder.com. The UVB NB article that I found is http://www.vitiligoskindisorder.com/treating-vitiligo-with-puva-vs-narrowband-uvb/
I’ll keep reading this blog for a while but it would be nice to know who is publishing it and why?
Treating Pruritus: Some folks are just itching to try UVB Narrow Band
With tongue in cheek I penned the title above. I have to admit the first time I heard that “just itching” line was from a person with Psoriasis who had a serious itch associated with his disease. In this case, I am using to attract readers with generalized pruritus. It would seem that HIV Positive patients with pruritus can be helped with UVB311 or UVB Narrowband Therapy.
There are several scientifi articles one can find on the nest. I suggest us search for Pruritus AND UVB Narrow Band for more help at Bing or Google.
I came across a medical paper at:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118530749/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0#ss9
Title: “Generalized pruritus treated with narrowband UVB”
Authors: Dilek Seckin, MD, Zeynep Demircay, MD, and Ozlem Akin, MD
From Department of Dermatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Altunizade, and Department of Dermatology, Maltepe University School of Medicine, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey
Background: Narrowband UVB phototherapy has been increasingly used in a variety of dermatological diseases. We planned to evaluate its efficacy in generalized pruritus in this prospective study.
Methods: Forty-six patients were included and then divided into two groups: group 1 and group 2 consisted of patients with uremic pruritus and “idiopathic pruritus”, respectively. Phototherapy was given three times a week. Efficacy assessments were made by means of visual analog scale (VAS) and pruritus grading score.
Results: Thirty-five patients completed the treatment. Mean VAS decreased from 8.2 ± 1.5 to 3.6 ± 3 in group 1 and from 7.1 ± 2.3 to 2.3 ± 2.8 in group 2 (P < 0.0001). Mean percentage of change in VAS was 54.2% (95% CI 32.6–75.9) and 67.9% (95% CI 53.8–81.9) in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Mean number of treatments was 22 in both groups. Mean cumulative UVB dose was 24,540 mJ/cm2 and 20,801 mJ/cm2 in group 1 and group 2, respectively.
Conclusion: Narrowband UVB is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with generalized pruritus.
Links to other articles
HIV & Pruritus: See http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=2823520
From: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102210196.html
I found “A 38-year-old Japanese man suffered from hemophilia B and had become infected with HIV through the administration of coagulation factor concentrates. The patient had exhibited small, firm, well-demarcated, skin-colored papules (usually 1-8 mm) symmetrically distributed on the trunk, extremities and face. Intense pruritus usually began with the appearance of the lesions. Scratching led to excoriations, prurigo-like lesions and marked post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The serum eosinophil count was elevated, but IgE was normal. Biopsy specimens showed a moderately intense perivascular infiltrate composed of mononuclear cells without eosinophils. The lesions and pruritus failed to respond to the topical administration of corticosteroids, crotamiton cream or emollients, or to oral antihistamines or dapsone. Light treatment was given 8 times for 1 month using an ultraviolet B (UVB) lamp. The severity of the pruritus diminished after a few treatments. New prurigo-like eruptions disappeared with UVB treatment. The lesions and pruritus responded only to UVB phototherapy. While the mechanism is not known, UVB phototherapy may provide relief of AIDS-related pruritus.”