Recovery of the response to biological treatments using narrow band ultraviolet-B in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a retrospective study of 17 patients

Background/PurposeBiological therapy has demonstrated a very satisfactory anti-psoriatic effect; however, the loss of response with time has been reported. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the narrow band ultraviolet-B phototherapy (NB-UVB) as a rescue in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have lost efficacy in their biological treatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving treatment with a biologic, with a good initial response that subsequently had lost efficacy. All the patients received combined treatment with NB-UVB. ResultsSeventeen patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years. The biologics were: 8 etanercept, 4 adalimumab, 3 ustekinumab, 1 efalizumab, and 1 infliximab. The mean NB-UVB sessions was 25 (7-48 sessions), with a mean accumulated dose of 31.12J/cm(2) (5.2-94.6J/cm(2)). Sixteen patients had the following results: 44% PASI 90-100, 31.3% PASI 75-89, and 25% PASI 50-74 response. ConclusionAccording to this study on clinical practice, it could be considered that the use of NB-UVB along with biological drugs that have lost efficacy in controlling moderate to severe psoriasis in adults could contribute to the recovery of the initial response.