Comparison of Efficacy of Combination of Acitretin and Narrow Band Ultraviolet B versus Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Alone in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of combination of narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and Acitretin
(ReUVB) versus NBUVB alone in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Dermatology Services Hospital,
Lahore from October 2020 to April 2021. After getting approval from Ethical Review Committee, 100
patients of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled. They were divided into two groups of fifty
patients each. Group A patients received both acitretin and NBUVB therapy while group B received NBUVB
therapy alone for 8 weeks. PASI 50 was set as the efficacy end point. PASI scores and photographs taken
before and after treatment were analysed.
Results: Mean age of patients was 34.99 ± 9.28 years. In group A, 46 (92%) patients achieved PASI 50 while
in group B, 19 (38%) patients achieved PASI 50. Therefore, the efficacy of combination of acitretin and
NBUVB was significantly higher compared to NBUVB alone. Statistically significant effect of age, gender,
body mass index and duration of disease was found on efficacy.
Conclusion: Narrow band Ultraviolet-B therapy is a useful treatment modality in moderate to severe
psoriasis. However, combining it with acitretin can significantly enhance its efficacy.

How to cite: Qadeer F, Tariq H, Aman S.. Comparison of Efficacy of Combination of Acitretin and Narrow Band Ultraviolet B
versus Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Alone in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis. Esculapio - JSIMS 2022;18(01):6-10.