Narrowband ultraviolet B treatment for psoriasis increases serum vitamin A levels

Influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy on serum folate level in skin of color females: A cross-sectional study

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) (311-312 nm) is widely used for dermatological conditions with a favorable side-effect profile during pregnancy. Recently published data showed that NB-UVB might decrease serum folate level in Fitzpatrick skin phenotype I-III, especially at higher doses; this may predispose newborns to neural tube defects.

Objective

To compare serum folate levels of skin of color females treated with NB-UVB and healthy females of childbearing age, as well as to note whether subsequent complications have been observed, if any.

Methods

Multicenter, cross-sectional study of 30 females (N = 30): 15 female patients undergoing NB-UVB phototherapy as well as 15 age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy volunteers who were enrolled into the study after excluding factors known to alter serum folate concentration. NB-UVB exposures were performed 2-3 times a week for at least 8-12 weeks (mean cumulative NB-UVB dose ± standard deviation [SD] was 55 ± 79 J/cm2).

Results

Mean serum folate ± SD in NB-UVB exposed and healthy controls were 10.3 ± 4 and 8.3 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively. This was not a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .14).

Limitations

Small sample size (N = 30) and a cross-sectional study type.

Conclusion

Cumulative NB-UVB exposure is not associated with a statistically significant difference in serum folate level (P > .05) in skin of color females of childbearing age in comparison to age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy females, even with the relatively higher cumulative doses (mean ± SD was 55 ± 79 J/cm2) that have been shown to reduce serum folate level in lighter skin phenotypes.

Serum levels of folate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and cobalamin during UVB phototherapy: findings in a large prospective trial

Background

Narrowband UVB phototherapy (NB‐UVB) is a mainstay in the treatment of numerous inflammatory dermatoses. Whereas, a wealth of studies has shown that NB‐UVB treatment increases 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) levels, only sparse and controversial data exist on its effect on serum folate and cobalamin.

Objectives

To determine whether exposure to NB‐UVB alters serum folate or cobalamin levels.

Methods

A single‐centre, prospective, open observational study on 101 patients subjected to NB‐UVB phototherapy between late fall and early spring. Serum folate, 25(OH)D and cobalamin levels were measured after 0, 12, 24 and 36 NB‐UVB exposures.

Results

After 12 NB‐UVB exposures a significant decrease of mean serum folate (−1.0 nmol/L; P = 0.03) and cobalamin (−14.5 pmol/L, P = 0.03) levels was observed whereas serum levels of 25(OH)D showed a significant increase (35.4 nmol/L, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A standard course of NB‐UVB induces a small but significant decrease of serum folate and cobalamin levels.

Serum 25-OH Vitamin D Level in Psoriatic Patients and Comparison With Control Subjects

Background:

Vitamin D has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, and previous studies have proposed a role of vitamin D deficiency in multiple autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate serum vitamin D levels in psoriatic patients and compare them with levels in controls.

Methods:

This study was carried out in 50 psoriasis patients. Serum vitamin D was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The mean serum vitamin D levels in psoriatic patients and controls were 14.92 ± 6.31 and 12.52 ± 4.54 ng/mL, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant ( P = .06). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 84.0% in psoriatic patients and 93.0% in controls ( P = .21).

Conclusions:

Most of the patients with psoriasis had vitamin D deficiency, which may have contributed to the evolution of their psoriasis. However, considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran, no difference was noted between the psoriatic patients and the controls.