Medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy in localized scleroderma and its effect in CD34-positive dendritic cells

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 45; no. 5; pp. 697 - 699
• Main Authors: Camacho, Nydia R., Sánchez, Julio E., Martin, Rafael F., González, José R., Sánchez, Jorge L.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Antigens, CD34 - analysis; Biological and medical sciences; Dendritic Cells - immunology; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Sarcoidosis. Granulomatous diseases of unproved etiology. Connective tissue diseases. Elastic tissue diseases. Vasculitis; Scleroderma, Localized - immunology; Scleroderma, Localized - pathology; Scleroderma, Localized - therapy; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy; Human; Connective tissue disease; Dendritic cell; Skin disease; UVA radiation; Treatment; Circumscribed scleroderma; Biological effect; Phototherapy
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1067/mjd.2001.117735

Background: UVA1 radiation seems to be effective in morphea. CD34+ dendritic cells are significantly decreased in lesional skin of morphea patients. Objective: We evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy in localized scleroderma and its effect in the number of dermal CD34+ dendritic cells in skin biopsy specimens of these patients. Method: Patients were irradiated with UVA1 (30 J/cm2) 30 times. Dermal CD34+ dendritic cells were counted before and after therapy. Results: There was clinical improvement after UVA1 irradiation. Dermal CD3 4+ dendritic cells significantly increased after UVA1 irradiation. Conclusion: Medium-dose UVA1 therapy is effective in the treatment of localized morphea. Effectiveness is associated with an increase in the number of CD34+ dendritic cells in the dermis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:697-9.)