Long-term continuation of psoralen and ultraviolet-A treatment of psoriasis.

We studied the continued reliance on psoralen and ultraviolet-A (PUVA) radiation in 1,172 patients. After an average treatment period of 1.8 years, 937 (80%) patients were still receiving PUVA therapy or planned to use PUVA if their psoriasis flare. We defined both groups as patients who continue to rely on PUVA. Patients with the most extensive disease were least likely to continue receiving therapy. Among 1,079 patients with less than 70% involvement, 890 (82%) patients continued to rely on PUVA after 1.8 years. Factors associated with decreased continuation in this group included the following: age older than 60 years, fair or poor general health, multiple previous hospitalizations for treatment of psoriasis, and unusual reactions to sun exposure. Thus, the ability of PUVA to meet long-term treatment needs varies according to demographic and certain disease factors.