Effectiveness of Narrowband Ultraviolet on Vitiligo: A Systematic Review

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) is one of the most popular and effective modalities to treat vitiligo. Given the importance of nb-UBV, as well as its associations, this research searched the literature for answers on how to best treat vitiligo. Objective: To conduct a systematic litera...

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Main Authors: Ana Luisa Tenani Pereira da Costa, Julya Gracite de Menezes, Mayara Louise Beltrame, Bianca Veronese da Silva, Dartel Ferrari Lima, Dérrick Patrick Artioli, Márcia Rosângela Buzanello, Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Dermato
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6179/4/4/16
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Summary:Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) is one of the most popular and effective modalities to treat vitiligo. Given the importance of nb-UBV, as well as its associations, this research searched the literature for answers on how to best treat vitiligo. Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review assessing the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy for the treatment of vitiligo, in comparison with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and other topical or systemic treatment modalities. Methods: The databases included were PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. Gray literature was also used: Google Scholar, Open Grey, and Library of Thesis and Dissertations-CAPES. The search used the keywords: “Vitiligo” AND “Ultraviolet Therapy OR Actinotherapy”. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by two independent, blinded reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. The outcome assessed was repigmentation. Results: Three randomized controlled trials were selected from 2973 records. In three studies, Nb-UVB had superior effects to the comparator. Conclusion: Nb-UVB phototherapy improves repigmentation in patients with vitiligo, with few side effects. However, the variability in the protocols and the risk of bias require caution when interpreting the results.
ISSN:2673-6179