Low-dose UVA1 phototherapy in systemic sclerosis: effects on acrosclerosis

A randomized controlled study of low-dose UVA1, medium-dose UVA1, and narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized scleroderma

“…16 UVA1 exhibits its effects in all of these 3 directions by up-regulation of specific messenger RNA of matrix metalloproteinases, depletion of skin-infiltrating T cells and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6), induction of a shift of the balance between proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes toward the induction of apoptosis, and modulation of endothelial regulation/transformation. [17][18][19][20] The current open controlled study was the first approach to compare different phototherapeutic modalities, particularly NB UVB, in a larger collective of patients with LS. We could confirm the beneficial results of 5 uncontrolled trials on UVA1 that have been reported within the last 10 years.…”

Ultraviolet A1 Phototherapy for Fibrosing Conditions

“…In an open non-randomized study we previously treated 18 patients with acrosclerosis and underlying SSc. Applying the UV-A1 regimen described by von Kobyletzki et al (40), Kreuter et al (43) observed skin softening, enhancement of skin distension, decrease of thickness of skin, and increase of cutaneous collagenase activity in 16 of 18 patients (32). …”

Phototherapy for sclerosing skin conditions

“…The effect of UVA1 phototherapy on acrosclerosis has been studied via case series and uncontrolled trials; of note, the effect of UVA1 phototherapy on sclerosis extending beyond the hands and forearms is relatively poorly described. In an uncontrolled trial, 18 patients received low-dose UVA1 (30 J/cm 2 ) to their hands for 50 treatments, and Kreuter et al reported significant reduction in the modified MRSS (p < 0.001), increase in total skin distention (p = 0.0034), and reduction of skin thickness (p = 0.0017) [38]. A significant post-therapeutic elevation of matrix metalloproteinases was also demonstrated immunohistochemically.…”