Korean J Dermatol.  2001 Jul;39(7):749-754.

The Examination of PUVA-Induced Dermatologic and Ophthalmologic Manifestations in Systemic PUVA Therapy

• Kim JO
• Kim KS
• Lee KS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Systemic PUVA therapy is a widely used method for treatment of vitiligo and psoriasis. However, there have been few studies concerning complications of systemic PUVA therapy.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the dermatologic and ophthalmologic manifestations in patients receiving PUVA therapy. METHOD: We studied 42 patients who received systemic PUVA therapy for more than six months in our department.
RESULTS
The results are summarized as follows. 1. Among the 42 patients, the number of male and female patients were 18(42.9%) and 24(57.1%) respectively. The mean age at the start of PUVA was 42 years and mean cumulative UVA dase was 996 J/cm2. 2. Among the 42 patients, hyperpigmentation found in 9(21.4%), PUVA lentigo in 8(19.0%), pruritus in 5(11.9%) and burn in 3(7.1%). 3. The ophthalmologic manifestations were conjunctivitis(13 cases, 31.0%), pteygium(7 cases, 16.7%), pingueculum(6 cases, 14.3%) and cataract(3 cases, 7.1%).
CONCLUSION
Long term exposure to PUVA causes chronic clinical side effects of PUVA. Therefore careful follow-up of patients who receive long term PUVA therapy is necessary.

Keyword

PUVA; Dermatologic and ophthalmologic manifestations

MeSH Terms

Burns
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hyperpigmentation
Lentigo
Male
Pruritus
Psoriasis
PUVA Therapy*
Vitiligo