The effect of platelet-rich plasma on the outcome of short-term narrowband-ultraviolet B phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study

BackgroundNarrowband - ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is an emerging, effective, and safe therapy for vitiligo, but the treatment course often requires a long duration of time which may carry a potential risk for various side effects and patients' noncompliance. ObjectiveTo explore the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on the outcome of short-term NB-UVB therapy for the patients with stable vitiligo. Patients and methodsThe study included 60 stable vitiligo patients with overall symmetrical lesions. For each patient, the left side of the body was treated with NB-UVB alone (control side) while the right side was treated with NB-UVB therapy in addition to intradermal injection of PRP, every 2weeks for 4months. ResultsThere was statistically highly significant improvement in the repigmentation in the combination group(PRP plus NB-UVB) compared with NB-UVB group. ConclusionIntradermal PRP injection in combination with NB-UVB could be considered as a simple, safe, tolerable, and cheap technique for treatment of vitiligo. It shortens the duration of NB-UVB therapy and is expected to increase patient compliance. Longer follow-up is needed.