Excimer laser vs. clobetasol propionate 0·05% ointment in prurigo form of atopic
dermatitis: a randomized controlled trial, a pilot.
Author(s): Brenninkmeijer EE, Spuls PI, Lindeboom R, van der Wal AC, Bos JD, Wolkerstorfer
A.
Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO
Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E.E.Brenninkmeijer@amc.uva.nl
Publication date & source: 2010, Br J Dermatol. , 163(4):823-31
BACKGROUND: Recent findings have established the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer
laser (EL) as a new option in the area of ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy. As
this laser enables high radiant exposure of narrowband UVB and precise targeting
of affected skin, it appears to be a promising treatment for the prurigo form of
atopic dermatitis (AD).
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the EL compared with
clobetasol propionate (CP) in the prurigo form of AD.
METHODS: In a prospective randomized within-patient controlled study, 13 patients
with a prurigo form of AD were randomized to receive EL on one side and topical
CP on the other side. Laser treatment was performed twice a week for 10 weeks.
Clinical responses were evaluated using Physician Assessment of Individual Signs,
Physician Global Assessment, Patient Global Assessment and photographic
documentation. Histopathological changes were evaluated and duration of remission
was monitored during a 6-month follow-up period.
RESULTS: Both treatments resulted in a significant improvement of all outcome
measures after 10 weeks of treatment. During follow up, the EL showed more
improvement compared with CP. Histopathology demonstrated marked decrease of
epidermal thickness and inflammatory infiltrate at the EL-treated sites. No
significant side-effects occurred.
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the EL can safely and effectively be used
in the treatment of the prurigo form of AD. For the long term, the EL might be a
good alternative to topical corticosteroids and an option in case of
therapy-resistant patients.
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