A 7-Year Retrospective Study of Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy for Psoriasis in Geriatric Patients.

BACKGROUND

Complications of psoriasis may add to the burden of degenerative diseases already present in elderly patients. Phototherapy is a well-established treatment for psoriasis, and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is currently the first-line phototherapy for psoriasis. Its use in elderly has been assessed and is found to be safe and efficacious for many dermatoses.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To learn the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB phototherapy in geriatric patients with psoriasis in Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study using data from medical records of psoriasis patients aged ≥60 who received NB-UVB phototherapy at the dermatovenereology outpatient clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital in 2014-2020. The data were processed using SPSS version 25, and descriptive analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

From 30 patients, 75% reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was accomplished by 14 patients (47%) after a median of 21 sessions and a median cumulative dose of 25.7 J/cm2. The side effects were experienced by nine patients (30%), comprising pain, burn, and itch. No patient experienced more than two episodes of erythema during their treatment. Most side effects are mild and do not require discontinuation of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

NB-UVB phototherapy is safe and effective for geriatric patients with psoriasis.