EADV Task Force Pruritus White Paper on chronic pruritus and chronic prurigo: Current challenges and future solutions

Chronic pruritus (CP) is frequent in general medicine and the most common complaint in general dermatology. The prevalence of CP is expected to rise in the future due to the ageing population. The clinical presentation, underlying aetiology and treatment strategy of CP are heterogeneous. Also, individual treatment aims and physical, psychic and economic burdens of patients might vary. Chronic prurigo (CPG) is the most severe disease in the chronic pruritus spectrum, being associated with long-standing scratch-induced skin lesions and a therapy refractory itch-scratch-cycle. It is thus important to raise disease awareness for CP and CPG in the general public and among decision-makers in the health system. Further, there is a need to support a rational clinical framework to optimize both diagnostics and therapeutics. Currently, there is still a shortcoming regarding approved therapies and understanding CP/CPG as severe medical conditions. Therefore, the EADV Task Force Pruritus decided to publish this white paper based on several consensus meetings. The group consented on the following goals: (a) ensure that CP is recognized as a serious condition, (b) increase public awareness and understanding of CP and CPG as chronic and burdensome diseases that can greatly affect a person's quality of life, (c) clarify that in most cases CP and CPG are non-communicable and not caused by a psychiatric disease, (d) improve the support and treatment given to patients with CP to help them manage their disease and (e) publicize existing therapies including current guidelines. We aim to point to necessary improvements in access and quality of care directed to decision-makers in health policy, among payers and administrations as well as in practical care.

Dermatological patients with itch report more stress, stigmatization experience, anxiety and depression compared to patients without itch: Results from a European multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Itch as the most common symptom in dermatology has been shown to be related to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and depression. Moreover, associations were found between perceived stigmatization and itch. However, studies investigating the differences between patients with dermatoses with and without itch regarding perceived stress, stigmatization, anxiety and depression are missing. Therefore, one of the aims of the second study of the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP study II) was to investigate these relationships in a large cohort of patients with different itchy dermatoses.

RESULTS

3399 patients with 14 different itchy dermatoses were recruited at 22 centres in 17 European countries. They filled in questionnaires to assess perceived stigmatization, stress, signs of clinically relevant anxiety or depression, itch-related quality of life, the overall health status, itch duration, frequency and intensity. The most significant association between the severity of itching and the perception of stress was observed among individuals with rosacea (correlation coefficient r = 0.314). Similarly, the strongest links between itch intensity and experiences of stigmatization, anxiety, and depression were found in patients with seborrheic dermatitis (correlation coefficients r = 0.317, r = 0.356, and r = 0.400, respectively). Utilizing a stepwise linear regression analysis, it was determined that within the entire patient cohort, 9.3% of the variation in itch intensity could be accounted for by factors including gender, levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stigmatization. Females and individuals with elevated anxiety, depression, and perceived stigmatization scores reported more pronounced itch intensities compared to those with contrary attributes.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the connection between experiencing itch and its intensity and the psychological strain it places on individuals. Consequently, psychological interventions should encompass both addressing the itch itself and the interconnected psychological factors. In specific cases, it becomes imperative for dermatologists to direct individuals towards suitable healthcare resources to undergo further psychological assessment.

Lebrikizumab improved itch and reduced the extent of itch interference on sleep in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: two randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials

Itch and sleep loss due to itch are prevalent symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life and wellbeing. First-line topical therapy is insufficient for most patients and there is an unmet need for effective treatments that provide symptom relief and quality of life improvement. In two randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials, significantly more patients treated with the novel monoclonal antibody lebrikizumab had ≥ 3-point improvement in Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale by week 16 vs. patients treated with placebo. In addition, significantly more patients treated with lebrikizumab achieved ≥ 1-point improvement in Sleep-Loss Scale score by week 16 vs. placebo. Onset of itch relief was rapid, occurring within the first few days of treatment.

Phase 3 Trial of Nemolizumab in Patients with Prurigo Nodularis

BACKGROUND

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, debilitating, and severely pruritic neuroimmunologic skin disease. Nemolizumab, an interleukin-31 receptor alpha antagonist, down-regulates key pathways in the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis.

METHODS

In this phase 3, double-blind, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned adults with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis to receive an initial 60-mg dose of nemolizumab followed by subcutaneous injections of 30 mg or 60 mg (depending on baseline weight) every 4 weeks for 16 weeks or matching placebo. The primary end points were an itch response (a reduction of ≥4 points on the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP-NRS; scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe itch]) and an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) response (a score of 0 [clear] or 1 [almost clear] on the IGA [scores range from 0 to 4] and a reduction from baseline to week 16 of ≥2 points). There were five key secondary end points.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients underwent randomization; 183 were assigned to the nemolizumab group, and 91 to the placebo group. Treatment efficacy was shown with respect to both primary end points at week 16; a greater percentage of patients in the nemolizumab group than in the placebo group had an itch response (56.3% vs. 20.9%; strata-adjusted difference, 37.4 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.3 to 48.5), and a greater percentage in the nemolizumab group had an IGA response (37.7% vs. 11.0%; strata-adjusted difference, 28.5 percentage points; 95% CI, 18.8 to 38.2) (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Benefits were observed for the five key secondary end points: itch response at week 4 (41.0% vs. 7.7%), PP-NRS score of less than 2 at week 4 (19.7% vs. 2.2%) and week 16 (35.0% vs. 7.7%), and an improvement of 4 or more points on the sleep disturbance numerical rating scale (range, 0 [no sleep loss] to 10 [unable to sleep at all]) at week 4 (37.2% vs. 9.9%) and week 16 (51.9% vs. 20.9%) (P<0.001 for all comparisons). The most common individual adverse events were headache (6.6% vs. 4.4%) and atopic dermatitis (5.5% vs. 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Nemolizumab monotherapy significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis. (Funded by Galderma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04501679; EudraCT number, 2019-004789-17.).

Narrowband-ultraviolet B vs Broadband-ultraviolet B in Treatment of Chronic Pruritus: A Randomized, Single-blinded, Non-inferiority Study

Narrowband-ultraviolet B has shown increased efficacy over broadband-ultraviolet B in pruritic skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In patients with chronic pruritus, e.g. in end-stage renal disease, broadband-ultraviolet B is recommended, but narrowband-ultraviolet B has also shown efficacy in reducing pruritus. This randomized, single blinded, non-inferiority study investigated the effects of narrowband-ultraviolet B compared with broadband-ultraviolet B. Patients with chronic pruritus were treated with either broadband- or narrowband-UVB 3 times a week for 6 weeks and clinical response was monitored. Pruritus, sleep disturbance, and the patients' subjective overall response to treatment were evaluated by the patients on a visual analogue scale (0-10). Skin excoriations were evaluated by investigators on a 4-point scale (0-3). Both phototherapeutic modalities showed significant antipruritic activity (itch reduction 48% and 66.4%, respectively) by broadband-ultraviolet B and narrowband-ultraviolet B. Narrowband-ultraviolet B proved to be not inferior to broadband-ultraviolet B in treating pruritus in patients with chronic pruritus, assuming a 20% non-inferiority margin.

Perceived Stigmatization among Dermatological Outpatients Compared with Controls: An Observational Multicentre Study in 17 European Countries

Perceived stigmatization places a large psychosocial burden on patients with some skin conditions. Little is known about the experience of stigmatization across a wide range of skin diseases. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to quantify perceived stigmatization and identify its predictors among patients with a broad spectrum of skin diseases across 17 European countries. Self-report questionnaires assessing perceived stigmatization and its potential predictors were completed by 5,487 dermatology outpatients and 2,808 skin-healthy controls. Dermatological diagnosis, severity, and comorbidity were clinician-assessed. Patients experienced higher levels of perceived stigmatization than controls (p < 0.001, d   = 0.26); patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, and bullous disorders were particularly affected. Multivariate regression analyses showed that perceived stigmatization was related to sociodemographic (lower age, male sex, being single), general health-related (higher body mass index, lower overall health), disease-related (higher clinician-assessed disease severity, presence of itch, longer disease duration), and psychological (greater distress, presence of suicidal ideation, greater body dysmorphic concerns, lower appearance satisfaction) variables. To conclude, perceived stigmatization is common in patients with skin diseases. Factors have been identified that will help clinicians and policymakers to target vulnerable patient groups, offer adequate patient management, and to ultimately develop evidence-based interventions.

Body dysmorphia in common skin diseases: Results of an observational, cross-sectional multi-centre study among dermatological out-patients in 17 European countries

BACKGROUND

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common psychiatric disorder associated with high costs for healthcare systems as patients may repeatedly ask for different, often not effective interventions. BDD symptoms are more prevalent in patients with dermatological conditions than the general population, but there are no large sample studies comparing the prevalence of BDD symptoms between patients with dermatological conditions and healthy skin controls.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevalence of BDD symptoms between patients with different dermatological conditions and healthy skin controls and to describe sociodemographic, physical and psychological factors associated with BDD symptoms to identify patients who may have a particularly high chance of having this condition.

METHODS

This observational cross-sectional, comparative multi-centre study included 8295 participants: 5487 consecutive patients with different skin diseases (56% female) recruited among dermatological out-patients at 22 clinics in 17 European countries and 2808 healthy skin controls (66% female). All patients were examined by a dermatologist. BDD symptoms were assessed by the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). Sociodemographic data, information on psychological factors and physical conditions were collected. Each patient was given a dermatological diagnosis according to ICD-10 by a dermatologist.

RESULTS

The participation rate of invited dermatological patients was 82.4% on average across all centres. BDD symptoms were five times more prevalent in patients with dermatological conditions than in healthy skin controls (10.5% vs. 2.1%). Patients with hyperhidrosis, alopecia and vitiligo had a more than eleven-fold increased chance (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) > 11) of having BDD symptoms compared to healthy skin controls, and patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo and bullous diseases had a more than six-fold increased chance (adjusted OR > 6) of having BDD symptoms. Using a logistic regression model, BDD symptoms were significantly related to lower age, female sex, higher psychological stress and feelings of stigmatisation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that clinical BDD symptoms are significantly associated with common dermatological diseases. As such symptoms are associated with higher levels of psychological distress and multiple unhelpful consultations, general practitioners and dermatologists should consider BDD and refer patients when identified to an appropriate service for BDD screening and management.

Efficacy and safety of oral nalbuphine extended release in prurigo nodularis: results of a phase 2 randomized controlled trial with an open-label extension phase

BACKGROUND

Treatment of prurigo nodularis (PN) is challenging and new treatment options are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two oral doses of the kappa opioid agonist and mu opioid antagonist nalbuphine extended release (NAL-ER) tablets in a phase 2, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label, 50-week extension phase.

METHODS

Subjects with moderate-to-severe PN were randomized to NAL-ER 81 mg (NAL-ER81) or 162 mg (NAL-ER162) tablets twice-daily or placebo for 8 weeks of stable dosing following a 2-week titration period. Subjects completing Week 10 with a Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS) score ≥5 at the time of rollover (or during the observation period) were eligible for open-label treatment.

RESULTS

Of 63 randomized subjects, 62 were treated and comprised the modified intent-to-treat population (MITT), 50 completed 10 weeks of treatment. In the MITT analysis, 8 subjects (44.4%) treated with NAL-ER162 (P = 0.32) and 6 (27.3%) treated with NAL-ER81 (P = 0.78) achieved ≥30% reduction from baseline in 7-day WI-NRS at Week 10 (primary efficacy endpoint) vs. 8 (36.4%) in the placebo group. Itch reduction was significant among 8/12 (66.7%) subjects completing Week 10 treated with NAL-ER162 vs. placebo (8/20, 40.0%; P = 0.03). Additionally, 6 subjects (33.3%) treated with NAL-ER162 and 3 (13.6%) treated with NAL-ER81 achieved ≥50% reduction from baseline in 7-day WI-NRS at Week 10 (coprimary endpoint). Extended open-label treatment was associated with further improvements in itch reduction and favourable changes in PN lesion activity as assessed by Prurigo Activity Score. Adverse events occurred predominantly during dose titration and were of mild-to-moderate severity. The safety profile did not change with extended open-label treatment.

CONCLUSION

In adult subjects with PN, oral treatment with NAL-ER 162 mg twice daily provided measurable anti-pruritic efficacy in subjects completing ≥10 weeks of treatment and was well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02174419).

Itch in Hymenoptera Sting Reactions

Insect stings and the resulting itch are a ubiquitous problem. Stings by members of the insect order Hymenoptera, which includes sawflies, wasps, bees and ants, and especially by bees and wasps are extremely common, with 56–94% of the population being stung at least once in their lifetime. The complex process of venom activity and inflammation causes local reactions with pain and pruritus, sometimes anaphylactic reactions and more seldomly, as in case of numerous stings, systemic intoxication. We reviewed the literature regarding itch experienced after Hymenoptera stings, but found no study that placed a specific focus on this topic. Hymenoptera venoms are composed of many biologically active substances, including peptide toxins and proteinaceous toxins. Peptide toxins from bee venom cause cell lysis and ion channel modulation in the peripheral and central nervous systems, while toxins from wasp venom induce mast cell degranulation and chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the skin. The proteinaceous toxins cause a disruption of the cell membranes and necrotic cell death, degradation of hyaluronan (an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan), increased vascular permeability, hemolysis, as well as activated platelet aggregation. Mediators which could be directly involved in the venom-induced pruritus include histamine and tryptase released from mast cells, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 from Th2 lymphocytes, as well as leukotriene C4. We postulate that a pruriceptive itch is induced due to the pharmacological properties of Hymenoptera venoms.

Long-Term Course of Polymorphic Light Eruption: A Registry Analysis

Background: Little is known about the long-term course of polymorphic light eruption (PLE).

Objective: To predict disease course, a questionnaire was sent to patients whose PLE had been diagnosed between March 1990 and December 2018 and documented in the Austrian Cooperative Registry for Photodermatoses.

Methods: In January 2019, 205 PLE patients were contacted by mail and asked to complete a questionnaire on their disease course, including whether the skin's sun sensitivity had normalized (i.e., PLE symptoms had disappeared), improved, stayed the same, or worsened over time. Patients who reported normalization of sun sensitivity were asked to report when it had occurred.

Results: Ninety-seven patients (79 females, 18 males) returned a completed questionnaire. The mean (range) duration of follow-up from PLE onset was 29.6 (17–54) years for females and 29.4 (16–47) years for males. The disease disappeared in 32 (41%) females after 17.4 (2–41) years and in 4 (24%) males after 11.8 (5–26) years. Twenty-nine (37%) females and 6 (35%) males reported improvement of symptoms over time; 15 females (19%) and 7 males (41%) reported no change; and 3 females (4%) and no males reported worsening of symptoms. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that after 20 years 74% (95%CI, 64–82%) of patients still suffered from PLE. PLE lesion persistence (>1 week) tended to predict a prolonged course of PLE.

Conclusions: PLE usually takes a long-term course over many years though in most patients its symptoms improve or disappear over time. How improvement relates to the pathophysiology of the disease remains to be determined.

Itch in Atopic Dermatitis - What Is New?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is among the most frequent inflammatory skin diseases in humans, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults in higher income countries. Chronic pruritus is a disease-defining symptom of AD, representing the most burdensome symptom for patients. Severe chronic pruritus causes significant sleep disturbances and impaired quality of life, as well as increased anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior. Until recently, skin care, topical corticosteroids, and calcineurin-inhibitors were primarily used to treat mild to moderate AD, while phototherapy and immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate were used to treat patients with moderate to severe AD. The potential short- and long-term adverse events associated with these treatments or their insufficient therapeutic efficacy limited their use in controlling pruritus and eczema in AD patients over longer periods of time. As our understanding of AD pathophysiology has improved and new systemic and topical treatments have appeared on the market, targeting specific cytokines, receptors, or their intracellular signaling, a new era in atopic dermatitis and pruritus therapy has begun. This review highlights new developments in AD treatment, placing a specific focus on their anti-pruritic effects.

Chronic Nodular Prurigo: A European Cross-sectional Study of Patient Perspectives on Therapeutic Goals and Satisfaction

Chronic nodular prurigo is characterized by recalcitrant itch. Patient perspectives on therapeutic goals, satisfaction with therapy and efficacy of therapeutic regimens for this condition are unknown. This questionnaire study examined these issues in 406 patients with chronic nodular prurigo from 15 European dermatological centres. Improvements in itch, skin lesions and sleep were the most important goals. Emollients, topical corticosteroids and antihistamines were the most frequently used treatments, while a minority of patients were prescribed potent medications, such as systemic immunosuppressants and gabapentinoids. Most patients were not satisfied with their previous therapy (56.8%), while 9.8% did not receive any therapy despite having active disease. A substantial number of respondents (28.7%) considered none of the therapeutic options effective. Although chronic nodular prurigo is a severe disease, most patients were not treated with potent systemic drugs, which may contribute to the high levels of dissatisfaction and disbelief in available therapies. Specific guidelines for chronic nodular prurigo and the development of novel therapies are necessary to improve care.

Pruritus Intensity Scales across Europe: a prospective validation study

BACKGROUND

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a subjective symptom, and it is necessary to assess its intensity with validated patient-reported outcome tools in order to allow determination of the treatment course.

OBJECTIVES

So far, the itch intensity scales were validated in small cohorts and in single languages. Here, we report the validation of the numerical rating scale, the verbal rating scale and the visual analogue scale for the worst and average pruritus intensity in the last 24h in several languages across Europe and across different pruritic dermatoses.

METHODS

After professional translation, the intensity scales were digitized for use as a tablet computer application. Validation was performed in clinics for Dermatology in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

RESULTS

A total of 547 patients with contact dermatitis, chronic nodular prurigo, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were included. The intensity scales showed a high level of reproducibility and inter-correlations with each other. The correlation with the Dermatology Life Quality Index was weak to strong in nearly all countries and dermatoses with the exception of France and patients with chronic nodular prurigo, for which no statistically significant correlations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The numerical rating scale, the verbal rating scale und the visual analogue scales are valid instruments with good reproducibility and internal consistency in German (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish for different pruritic dermatoses. VAS worst was the best reproducible and consistent measuring instrument in all countries.

Google search trends for itch in Europe: a retrospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Itch is a common symptom in the general population. Affected individuals often do not seek medical consultation and rely on Internet searches to obtain information regarding their itch.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to attain insights into common concerns of the general population regarding itch can by analysing itch-related Internet search behaviour.

METHODS

Google AdWords Keyword Planner was used to assess search volumes for itch-related terms in 15 European countries between September 2014 and August 2018. All identified keywords were qualitatively categorized. Itch-related terms were descriptively analysed and are shown as number of searches/100 000 inhabitants.

RESULTS

The search volume for the keyword 'itch' per 100 000 inhabitants was highest in Northern Europe, followed by Eastern, Central and Southern Europe. In 4/15 countries, itch was searched for more often in the autumn/winter months compared to in the spring/summer months. Most itch-related terms were related to dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), allergic or immunologic conditions (e.g. urticaria), and infectious diseases or infestations (e.g. scabies). In terms of body location, genitoanal itch dominated the searches. Symptoms and signs related to itch, possible non-dermatological aetiologies, and treatment options were also among the most searched terms.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses provided for the first time insights into the search behaviour patterns related to itch across Europe. People from Northern and Eastern Europe are more likely to seek online information regarding itch. Causes for the itch, especially dermatological conditions, and genitoanal itch are the most important concerns for Internet users. This unconventional and inexpensive method identifies medical needs of people beyond the medical setting, including people who do not seek medical consultation. Accordingly, the data could be used to guide public health interventions and manage respective inhabitants' medical needs.

Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides and the Effect of Oral Psoralen Plus UV-A (PUVA) Photochemotherapy on it

Background: Little is known about psychological discomfort and quality of life (QoL) in early stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and the effect of psoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) on it.

Objective: To evaluate QoL, anxiety, and depression with validated instruments in early stage MF patients and whether PUVA treatment improves it.

Methods: Patients with stage IA to IIA MF were treated with PUVA twice weekly for 12–24 weeks, followed by maintenance treatment or not, in a prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients completed a questionnaire on DLQI as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) prior to therapy, after their last PUVA exposure, and after the PUVA maintenance or observance phase.

Results: For 24 patients with early stage MF, completed questionnaires were available and analyzed. Prior to treatment, 17% reported strong (DLQI > 10) and 29% moderate impairment (DLQI 6–10) in QoL; 33% of patients reported HADS scores indicating anxiety, and 21% reported scores indicating depression. PUVA significantly improved overall QoL by reducing mean DLQI scores by 58.6% (p = 0.003), HADS-A by 30% (p = 0.045), and HADS-D by 44% (p = 0.002). Improvements in QoL and psychological well-being seemed to be sustained, irrespective of maintenance treatment or not.

Limitations: Small sample size.

Conclusions: PUVA sustainably improves QoL and psychological well-being in patients with early stage MF.

Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01686594.

Chronic nodular prurigo: clinical profile and burden. A European cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Chronic nodular prurigo (CNPG) is a condition characterized by chronic itch, a prolonged scratching behaviour and the presence of pruriginous nodules. A comprehensive understanding of this condition, especially regarding its clinical characteristics and impact on quality of life is still lacking.

OBJECTIVES

Aim of this pan-European multicentre cross-sectional study was to establish the clinical profile of CNPG, including its associated burden.

METHODS

Fifteen centres from 12 European countries recruited CNPG patients presenting at the centre or using the centres' own databases. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire in paper or electronic format. Demography, current co-morbidities, underlying disease, itch intensity, additional sensory symptoms, quality of life, highest burden and emotional experience of itch were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 509 patients (210 male, median age: 64 years [52; 72]) were enrolled. Of these, 406 reported itch and CNPG lesions in the previous 7 days and qualified to complete the whole questionnaire. We recorded moderate to severe worst itch intensity scores in the previous 24 h. Scores were higher in patients with lower educational levels and those coming from Eastern or Southern Europe. Most patients experience itch often or always (71%) and report that their everyday life is negatively affected (53%). Itch intensity was considered to be the most burdensome aspect of the disease by 49% of the patients, followed by the visibility of skin lesions (21%) and bleeding of lesions (21%). The majority of patients was unaware of an underlying condition contributing to CNPG (64%), while psychiatric diseases were the conditions most often mentioned in association with CNPG (19%).

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentre cross-sectional study shows that itch is the dominant symptom in CNPG and reveals that the profile of the disease is similar throughout Europe.

Trial of Nemolizumab in Moderate-to-Severe Prurigo Nodularis

BACKGROUND

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic pruritic skin disease with multiple nodular skin lesions. Nemolizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-31 receptor, which is involved in the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis.

METHODS

We conducted a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, phase 2 trial of nemolizumab (at a dose of 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight) administered subcutaneously at baseline, week 4, and week 8, as compared with placebo, in patients with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis and severe pruritus. Moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis was defined as 20 or more nodules, and severe pruritus was defined as a mean score of at least 7 for the worst daily intensity of pruritus on the numerical rating scale (scores range from 0 [no itch] to 10 [worst itch imaginable]). The primary outcome was the percent change from baseline in the mean peak score for pruritus on the numerical rating scale at week 4. Secondary outcomes included additional measures of itching and disease severity. Safety assessments were performed through week 18.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive nemolizumab (34 patients) or placebo (36). The initial pruritus score on the numerical rating scale was 8.4 in each group. At week 4, the peak pruritus score on the numerical rating scale was reduced from baseline by 4.5 points (change, -53.0%) in the nemolizumab group, as compared with a reduction of 1.7 points (change, -20.2%) in the placebo group (difference, -32.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, -46.8 to -18.8; P<0.001). Results for secondary outcomes were in the same direction as for the primary outcome. Nemolizumab was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain and diarrhea) and musculoskeletal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Nemolizumab resulted in a greater reduction in pruritus and severity of skin lesions than placebo in patients with prurigo nodularis but was associated with adverse events. Larger and longer trials are needed to determine the durability and safety of nemolizumab for the treatment of prurigo nodularis. (Funded by Galderma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03181503.).

Is there still a role for UV therapy in itch treatment?

Itching is a frequent and greatly distressing symptom related to many skin and systemic diseases. New insights into the pathophysiology of itchy skin and potentially involved mediators have increased the interest in and development of new treatments that specifically act on targets involved in the transmission and perception of itching. Phototherapy has long been known and used as an effective treatment for various kinds of chronic itching. However, despite its well-known beneficial effects, the mechanisms behind the antipruritic effect of phototherapy are less well-known. In addition, phototherapy requires the use of expensive equipment in dermatology offices, patients must undergo repeated treatments and no large, randomized, controlled trials have yet supported the antipruritic effect of UV. Therefore, phototherapy is rarely recommended as a treatment method for chronic pruritic diseases or only used as a last recourse. However, the wide range of pruritic conditions that can be successfully treated with phototherapy, together with its low acute side effects, extremely low frequency of interactions with other medications, possibilities to combine phototherapy with other treatment modalities and the fact that patients of almost all ages-from childhood to old age, including women during pregnancy or lactation-can be treated make UV therapy advantageous over other treatments of chronic pruritus. Thus, despite the development of new targeted therapies against pruritus, UV therapy is neither outdated nor the 'last recourse', but should be considered early on in the treatment of chronic pruritus.

Humanistic burden of chronic pruritus in patients with inflammatory dermatoses: Results of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Network on Assessment of Severity and Burden of Pruritus (PruNet) cross-sectional trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic pruritus is a multifactorial, challenging symptom of global relevance.

OBJECTIVE

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Network on Assessment of Severity and Burden of Pruritus (PruNet) investigation aimed to analyze the severity and humanistic burden of chronic pruritus in patients suffering from inflammatory dermatoses across Europe.

METHODS

Prospectively collected routine data on 552 patients (with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus, or mycosis fungoides [pruritus numeric rating scale score ≥3]) from 9 European centers (in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate variance analyses of various itch characteristics and quality of life (as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the ItchyQoL).

RESULTS

Duration, frequency, and intensity of pruritus (according to a numeric rating scale and visual analog scale) and related impairment of quality of life differed between European centers and dermatologic diagnoses (P < .05). The country in which the center was located had a greater impact on how patients evaluated pruritus intensity and quality of life than diagnosis did (P < .001).

LIMITATIONS

One center per country was included.

CONCLUSION

The humanistic burden of chronic pruritus in patients with inflammatory dermatoses is high. European cross-cultural factors may have a stronger influence than a specific dermatologic diagnosis on how patients rate intensity of pruritus and quality of life.

The Antipruritic Effect of Phototherapy

Phototherapy is widely used to treat inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Repeated suberythemogenic doses of UV-light reduce inflammation in these diseases and ultimately may lead to a complete disappearance of cutaneous symptoms for weeks or months. Chronic pruritus is an important and highly distressing symptom of many of these inflammatory skin diseases. Interestingly, pruritus is also reduced or completely abolished by UV-treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and sometimes reduction of pruritus is the first indication for skin improvement by phototherapy. The cutaneous nervous system is an integral part of skin anatomy, and free nerve endings of sensory cutaneous nerve fibers reach up into the epidermis getting in close contact with epidermal cells and mediators from epidermal cells released into the intercellular space. Stimulation of “pruriceptors” within this group of sensory nerve fibers generates a neuronal signal eventually transmitted via the dorsal root and the spinal cord to the brain, where it is recognized as “itch”. UV-light may directly affect cutaneous sensory nerve fibers or, via the release of mediators from cells within the skin, indirectly modulate their function as well as the transmission of itch to the central nervous system inducing the clinically recognized antipruritic effect of phototherapy.

Position Statement: Linear prurigo is a subtype of chronic prurigo

BACKGROUND

Chronic prurigo (CPG) is a distinct disease characterized by chronic pruritus, history and/or signs of prolonged scratching and multiple pruriginous lesions. It may present with various clinical manifestations, including papules, nodules, plaques or umbilicated lesions. Some patients with chronic pruritus show pruriginous linear and scaring scratch lesions (LSSL) and it is unclear whether these lesions belong to the spectrum of CPG.

OBJECTIVE

To achieve a consensus on the classification of pruriginous LSSL and establish criteria to differentiate them from similar appearing conditions of different nature.

METHODS

Members of the Task Force Pruritus (TFP) of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology participated in the consensus conference, discussing representative clinical cases. Using the Delphi method, consensus was reached when ≥75% of members agreed on a statement.

RESULTS

Twenty-one members of the TFP with voting rights participated in the meeting. It was consented that LSSL occurs due to chronic pruritus and prolonged scratching, and share common pathophysiological mechanisms with CPG. LSSL were thus considered as belonging to the spectrum of CPG and the term 'linear prurigo' was chosen to describe this manifestation.

CONCLUSION

Considering linear prurigo as belonging to the spectrum of CPG has important clinical implications, since both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of these patients should be performed as recommended for CPG. Importantly, linear prurigo should be differentiated from self-inflicted skin lesions as factitious disorders or skin picking syndromes. In the latter, artificial manipulation rather than pruritus itself leads to the development of cutaneous lesions, which can show clinical similarities to linear prurigo.

Cross-European validation of the ItchyQoL in pruritic dermatoses

BACKGROUND

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a frequently occurring symptom in inflammatory dermatoses, causing a high burden and limitations to health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVE

The ItchyQoL was developed to assess the impairment to HRQoL in patients with CP. However, it has only been validated in English and German. Here, we report the validation in several languages across Europe.

METHODS

After professional translation, the versions of ItchyQoL were digitized for use as a tablet application. Validation was performed in clinics for dermatology in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

RESULTS

Five hundred and thirty-five patients with either contact dermatitis, chronic prurigo - nodular type, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus or mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome and with CP ≥ 3 on the numerical rating scale were included. ItchyQoL showed a high level of consistency (Cronbach's-α, all: 0.95) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation: 0.91). It strongly correlated with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and moderately correlated with itch intensity scales in the study population (visual analogue scale r = 0.46; numerical rating scale r = 0.51; verbal rating scale r = 0.51, for all: P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ItchyQoL is now also validated in French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish and can be used in clinical trials in countries speaking these languages.

S2k Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pruritus - update - short version

Associated with a host of different diseases, pruritus is a cardinal symptom that poses an interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Over time, that symptom may progress independently of the initial cause, thus losing its function as a warning sign and turning into a clinically relevant disease of its own. In Germany, approximately 13.5 % of the general population are affected by chronic pruritus, with an incidence of 7 %. All forms of chronic pruritus require targeted treatment consisting of (a) diagnosis and management of the underlying disease, (b) dermatological treatment of primary or secondary (for example, dry skin, scratch lesions) symptoms, (c) symptomatic antipruritic treatment, and (d) psychological/psychotherapeutic treatment in case of an underlying or associated psychological or psychosomatic condition. Medical care of patients with chronic pruritus should therefore include an interdisciplinary approach, in particular with respect to diagnosis and therapy of the underlying disease as well as in terms of the management of treatment and adverse events. The objective of the present interdisciplinary guidelines is to define and standardize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with chronic pruritus. This is a short version of the current S2 guidelines on chronic pruritus. The long version may be found at www.awmf.org.

Retrospective long-term follow-up in patients with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses after good response to bath PUVA therapy

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have confirmed the short-term effectiveness of 8-methoxypsoralen bath PUVA therapy in patients with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses; however, little is known about long-term results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study we examined the long-term results in 79 patients (mean age: 48 years) with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses who were treated with bath PUVA three times a week over an 8-year period. A good clinical response (a reduction of more than 50% of the skin lesions) occurred after a mean of 23 treatments and a mean cumulative UVA dose of 39 J/cm(2) in 51 patients (65%). In 2007 a questionnaire was sent to these 51 patients to assess the long-term outcome.

RESULTS

With bath PUVA treatment, the best results were found in patients with hyperkeratotic eczema (17/22; 77% good clinical response) followed by patients with palmoplantar psoriasis (26/41; 63%) and patients with dyshidrotic eczema (8/16; 50%). Thirty-four patients (67%) answered the questionnaire after a mean follow-up interval of 4.3 years (10-87 months). Among these patients, 36% reported an improved course of disease after PUVA therapy with reduced frequency and/or intensity of the skin rash, and 29% of patients reported continued complete clearance. 79% of our patients reported a long-term reduction in the use of topical corticosteroids during the follow-up period (mean: 4.3 years). In addition, 67% of patients reported a lasting improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that bath PUVA may have a long-term, beneficial influence on the course of disease in a majority of patients with recalcitrant chronic palmoplantar dermatoses.

Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled intra-individual trial on topical treatment with a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ analogue in polymorphic light eruption

BACKGROUND

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a very frequent photodermatosis whose pathogenesis may involve resistance to ultraviolet (UV)-induced immune suppression. Similar to UV radiation, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) and its analogues such as calcipotriol have been shown to exhibit immunosuppressive properties.

OBJECTIVES

We performed a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled intraindividual half-body trial (NCT00871052) to investigate the preventive effect of a calcipotriol-containing cream in PLE.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with PLE (10 women, three men; mean age 37 years) pretreated their skin on two symmetrically located test fields with calcipotriol or placebo cream twice daily for 7 days before the start of photoprovocation testing with solar-simulated UV radiation. We established a specific PLE test score [AA + SI + 0·4 P (range 0-12), where AA is affected area score (range 0-4), SI is skin infiltration score (range 0-4) and P is pruritus score on a visual analogue scale (range 0-10)] to quantify PLE severity.

RESULTS

Photoprovocation led to PLE lesions in 12/13 (92%) patients. As shown by the PLE test score, compared with placebo calcipotrial pretreatment significantly reduced PLE symptoms in average by 32% (95% confidence interval 21-44%; P = 0·0022, exact Wilcoxon signed-rank test) throughout the observation period starting at 48 h until 144 h after the first photoprovocation exposure. At 48, 72 and 144 h calcipotriol pretreatment resulted in a lower PLE test score in 7 (58%), 9 (75%) and 10 (83%) of the 12 cases, respectively. Considering all time points together, calcipotriol diminished the PLE test score in all 12 photoprovocable patients (P = 0·0005; Wilcoxon signed-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of topical 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ analogues as prophylactic treatment in patients with PLE.

Topical liposomal DNA-repair enzymes in polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a very frequent photodermatosis in Europe whose pathogenesis may involve resistance to UV-induced immune suppression and simultaneous immune reactions against skin photoneoantigens. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intra-individual half-body trial to investigate the protective effect of an after-sun (AS) lotion containing DNA-repair enzymes (photolyase from Anacystis nidulans and Micrococcus luteus extract with endonuclease activity). Fourteen PLE patients were exposed to suberythemal doses of solar-simulated UV radiation on 4 consecutive days at 4 symmetrically located PLE-prone test fields per patient. The test fields were treated with (i) active AS lotion or (ii) a placebo lotion immediately after each UV exposure, or (iii) an SPF30 sunscreen before UV exposure or left untreated. All test fields were exposed to photoactivating blue light 1 h after each UV exposure. As shown by a newly established specific PLE test score (AA + SI + 0.4P [range, 0-12], where AA is affected area score [range, 0-4], SI is skin infiltration score [range, 0-4], and P is pruritus score on a visual analogue scale [range, 0-10]), PLE symptoms were significantly fewer on test sites treated with active AS lotion than on untreated (P = 0.00049) or placebo-treated test sites (P = 0.024). At 144 h after first UV exposure (the time point of maximal PLE symptoms), the mean test scores for untreated, active AS lotion-treated, and placebo-treated test fields were 4.39, 1.73 (61% reduction; 95% confidence interval (CI), 36% to 85%), and 3.20 (27% reduction; 95% CI, 3% to 51%), respectively. Pretreatment with SPF30 sunscreen completely prevented PLE symptoms in all patients. The present results indicate that DNA damage may trigger PLE and that the application of topical liposomes containing DNA repair enzymes to increase DNA repair may effectively prevent PLE.

Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy, Alefacept, and Clearance of Psoriasis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the addition of 311-nm narrowband UV-B (NB UV-B) phototherapy accelerates and improves the therapeutic efficacy of alefacept, a biological antipsoriatic drug approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

DESIGN

Randomized half-body comparison study.

SETTING

Ambulatory section of a university hospital photodermatology unit.

PATIENTS

Fourteen patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were treated with 7.5 mg of intravenous alefacept once weekly for 12 weeks. Three times each week, a randomly selected body half (left or right) was treated with NB UV-B light until complete remission, defined as a reduction in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) to 3 or lower, was achieved on the irradiated body half.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Modified PASI, self-assessed visual analogue scale rating of skin lesions, and self-assessed therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean PASIs on UV-irradiated and nonirradiated body halves were significantly reduced by 81% and 62%, respectively (P < .001). From week 3 to week 12, the mean PASI was significantly lower on UV-irradiated body halves than on nonirradiated body halves (P < .001). At week 12, PASI reductions of greater than 75% had been achieved significantly more often on UV-irradiated body halves (86%, 12 of 14) than on nonirradiated body halves (43%, 6 of 14), and complete remission had been achieved significantly more often on UV-irradiated body halves (43%, 6 of 14) than on nonirradiated body halves (0 of 14) (McNemar test P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized half-side comparison of alefacept with and without phototherapy for psoriasis, alefacept with NB UV-B phototherapy accelerated and improved the clearance of psoriasis. This suggests a promising future for this combination as antipsoriatic therapy.

Psoralen plus UVA vs. UVB-311 nm for the treatment of lichen planus

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the short- and long-term therapeutic efficacy of psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) vs. UVB-311 nm in the treatment of patients with disseminated lichen planus.

METHODS

A computerized data bank search and chart review revealed that data from a total of 28 patients, including 15 patients [11 women, four men; mean age 47 years (range, 16-65 years)] treated between 1998 and 2004 with PUVA and 13 patients [10 women, three men; mean age 51 years (range, 19-69 years)] treated with UVB-311 nm, were available at our institution for retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

All 15 patients (100%) treated with oral PUVA had a complete [n=10 (67%)] or partial [n=5 (33%)] clinical response, whereas 10 of 13 patients (77%) treated with UVB-311 nm showed complete [n=4 (31%)] or partial [n=6 (46%)] clinical response. Statistical analysis revealed that the initial response to PUVA was superior to that of UVB-311 nm (P=0.0426; Wilcoxon's exact test). There were no statistically significant differences between the PUVA- and UVB-311 nm-treated patient groups with regard to mean therapy duration (10.5 vs. 8.2 weeks; P=0.1107; unpaired, two-tailed Student's t test) or mean number of treatment exposures (25.9 vs. 22.5; P=0.1775). After a mean follow-up period of 20.5 months (range, 2-49 months) and 35.7 months (range, 3-60 months), respectively, disease recurrence or deterioration was observed in seven of 15 PUVA-treated patients (47%) and three of 10 UVB-311 nm-treated patients (30%). Kaplan-Meier lifetime table analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups in terms of sustained overall (i.e., partial and complete) clinical response rate (P=0.8593; log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

Even though oral PUVA produces a better initial clinical response rate, both oral PUVA and UVB-311 nm are effective treatments for lichen planus that produce similar long-term outcomes.

Successful thalidomide therapy for actinic prurigo in a European woman

Actinic prurigo is a rare, often difficult-to-treat, idiopathic photodermatosis. Actinic prurigo is divided into a hereditary form appearing in the Native American population and a sporadic form occurring in non-Native Americans. We present a 28-year-old Caucasian woman who developed typical clinical signs and symptoms of actinic prurigo, just as had her mother and grandmother. The patient and her mother were HLA-A24 and HLA-DR 4 with the subtype HLA-DRB1*0408. Based on clinical symptoms and the HLA pattern, the diagnosis of actinic prurigo was made. Treatment with thalidomide led to resolution of the disease. This case report of a Caucasian woman suffering from a hereditary form of actinic prurigo questions the established classification of actinic prurigo into a hereditary Native American form and a sporadic form occurring in the non-Native American population.

The efficacy of excimer laser (308 nm) for vitiligo at different body sites

BACKGROUND

The treatment with XeCl-excimer laser generated 308-nm UVB radiation has shown promising results in patients with vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE

In this controlled, prospective trial we studied the primary efficacy (start and grade of repigmentation) and patient's satisfaction of XeCl-excimer laser for treatment of vitiligo patches at different body sites and re-evaluated the achieved repigmentation 12 months after the end of therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with generalized or localized vitiligo with a total of 85 lesions at different body sites were enrolled in this study. Vitiligo patches were treated with 308-nm XeCl-excimer laser 3 times a week for 6 to 10 weeks. The overall repigmentation grade of each treated lesion was evaluated once a week on a 5 point scale rating from 0 (no repigmentation), 1 (1-5%), 2 (6-25%), 3 (26-50%), 4 (51-75%), to 5 (76-100%).

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients completed the study. Within 6 to 10 weeks of treatment 67% of the patients (16/24) developed follicular repigmentation of at least one of their vitiligo lesions. Lesion repigmentation started after a mean of 13 treatments in lesions located on the face, trunk, arm, and/or leg (high-responder location), and after a mean of 22 treatments in lesions located on the elbow, wrist, dorsum of the hand, knee, and/or dorsum of the foot (low-responder location). Untreated control lesions and lesions located on the fingers did not achieve any repigmentation. After 10 weeks of treatment repigmentation of more than 75% was found in 25% (7/28) of lesions of the high-responder location group versus 2% (1/43) of lesions of the low-responder location group. In most cases, laser-induced repigmentation was persistent, as determined 12 months after the end of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

308-nm excimer laser is an effective modality for the treatment of vitiligo. However, similar to other non-surgical treatment modalities, the therapeutic effect is mainly dependent on the location of vitiligo lesions.

Penetration of piperacillin and tazobactam into inflamed soft tissue of patients with diabetic foot infection

We investigated the pharmacokinetics of piperacillin and tazobactam in the extracellular space fluid of inflamed soft tissues of six patients with diabetic foot infection using in vivo microdialysis and found similar penetration for piperacillin but not for tazobactam into inflamed and noninflamed soft tissue.

Second-line treatment of limb-threatening diabetic foot infections with intravenous fosfomycin

Diabetic foot infections (DFI) expanding to bones and joints are associated with a poor prognosis of limb salvage. The bactericidal epoxide fosfomycin accumulates in inflamed soft and bone tissue, and may represent a potential treatment option for targeting severe DFI. Fifty-two patients (35 men, 17 women, mean age 62.9 +/- SD 9.2 years) with limb-threatening DFI (that is, Wagner grade 3 and higher) were enrolled in a multi-center compassionate use program of fosfomycin. Twenty-two patients (42.4%) had unsuccessfully been pretreated with other antimicrobials. Besides standard treatment (topical wound care and surgical debridement), eligible subjects received a combination of 8 to 24 g fosfomycin daily, and a conventional antibiotic agent, usually a beta-lactam compound. Treatment duration averaged 14.4 +/- 8.3 days. Limb-sparing surgery was possible in 48 patients (92.3%, 95% confidence interval 81.5-97.9%). Only four participants faced mild drug-related side effects (nausea, rash). Logistic regression analysis showed a trend towards better results with prolonged treatment, whereas a dose increase above 12 g daily did not affect outcomes. In DFI being resistant to conventional antibiotic agents, intravenous fosfomycin offers an effective treatment choice that may increase the likelihood of limb preservation. The present data warrant a larger comparative trial to stabilize effect estimates.

Photodamage to the cutaneous sensory nerves: role in photoaging and carcinogenesis of the skin?

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) plays a significant role in aging and carcinogenesis of the skin. Sensory nerve fibers densely innervate all layers of the skin and get in close anatomical as well as functional contact with cellular components of the epidermis and dermis. In this review, we address the impact of acute and chronic UVR exposure on the cutaneous sensory nervous system and its mediators. We suggest that skin cell-derived nerve growth factor (NGF) and skin nerve-derived neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) may play a central role in intrinsic aging as well as extrinsic (photo-) aging of the skin. In addition, we discuss the possible role of these mediators in photocarcinogenesis.

Optimal weekly frequency of 308-nm excimer laser treatment in vitiligo patients

BACKGROUND

Recently the beneficial effect of excimer laser treatment has been reported for patients with vitiligo. The influence of treatment frequency on this effect is not clear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the optimal frequency of 308-nm excimer laser therapy for vitiligo.

METHODS

In this prospective, university-based hospital study over 12 weeks we enrolled 14 patients. Each had at least three stable vitiligo lesions in the same body area. The three stable vitiligo lesions in each subject were randomly assigned to receive excimer laser treatment once (1 x), twice (2 x) and three times (3 x) weekly, respectively. The initial ultraviolet (UV) dose was 50 mJ cm(-2) less than the 308-nm minimal erythematous dose in vitiligo skin. The UV dose was increased at each treatment session according to the erythematous response to the previous treatment.

RESULTS

Thirteen subjects were treated for at least 6 weeks; seven were treated for all 12 weeks. At 6 weeks, the repigmentation rates for treated lesions were 8% (1/13) after 1 x weekly treatment, 23% (3/13) after 2 x weekly treatment and 62% (8/13) after 3 x weekly treatment (P = 0.0134; 3 x vs. 1 x weekly); at 12 weeks, these rates were 46% (6/13), 62% (8/13) and 69% (9/13), respectively (P = NS; 3 x vs. 1 x weekly). Repigmentation initiation correlated with treatment number, regardless of frequency (P = NS). As shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis, repigmentation occurred earliest in the most frequently treated lesions (P = 0.0336). At 12 weeks, the projected repigmentation rates for 1 x, 2 x and 3 x weekly treatment approached each other (60%, 79% and 82%, respectively); the mean repigmentation grades (on a scale of 0-5) for 1 x, 2 x and 3 x weekly treatment were 1.7, 2.4 and 3.3, respectively (P = 0.018; 3 x vs. 1 x weekly). Laser-induced repigmentation persisted in most cases over the entire follow-up of 12 months after the end of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

308-nm excimer laser therapy is effective against vitiligo. Although repigmentation occurs fastest with 3 x weekly treatment, the ultimate repigmentation initiation seems to depend entirely on the total number of treatments, not their frequency. However, treatment periods of more than 12 weeks may be necessary to obtain a satisfactory clinical repigmentation, particularly when vitiligo lesions are treated only 1 x or 2 x compared with 3 x weekly.

Reduction of treatment frequency and UVA dose does not substantially compromise the antipsoriatic effect of oral psoralen-UVA

BACKGROUND

The carcinogenic potential of 8-methoxypsoralen photochemotherapy (psoralen-UVA [PUVA]) is correlated with the total number of treatments and cumulative UVA dose applied during oral PUVA therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether reducing treatment frequency and UVA dose affects the therapeutic efficacy of oral PUVA for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, half-side study performed in a photodermatology department in a dermatology hospital. Eighteen consecutive patients with chronic plaque psoriasis received paired PUVA regimens (0.5 minimal phototoxic dose [MPD] 4 times/wk vs 1 MPD twice/wk, 0.5 MPD twice/wk vs 1 MPD twice/wk, and 0.5 MPD twice/wk vs 0.75 MPD twice/wk). The PUVA regimens were assessed for reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and the number of treatments and cumulative UVA dose required to reduce PASI score to defined end points (ie, PASI reductions of 25%, 50%, and 75%) or to induce complete remission (PASI < 3).

RESULTS

Reducing the number of treatments while maintaining the same UVA dose per week did not reduce overall therapeutic efficacy. Reducing the number of treatments to twice a week and reducing the UVA dose from 1 MPD to 0.75 or 0.5 MPD per treatment only slightly affected intermediate therapeutic efficacy (between the second and seventh weeks of therapy) but had no effect on final clearance rates. The time to complete clearance did not significantly differ between regimens. The mean cumulative UVA dose was significantly lower for the least intensive dose regimen (0.5 MPD twice/wk) than for the more intensive regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing treatment frequency and UVA dose does not substantially compromise the therapeutic efficacy of PUVA.