Potential emerging treatment in vitiligo using Er:YAG in combination with 5FU and clobetasol.
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of skin affecting at least 1% of the world population of all races in both sexes. Its importance is mainly due to subsequent social and psychological problems rather than clinical complications. Various treatment choices are available for vitiligo; however, laser-based courses have shown to give more acceptable results.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser as a supplementary medicine to topical 5FU and clobetasol in vitiligo patients.


METHODS
Two comparable vitiligo patches from 38 eligible patients were randomized to receive topical 5FU and clobetasol in control group and additional Er:YAG laser in intervention group. Major outcomes of interest were the size of patch and pigmentation score at randomization and 2 and 4 months after therapy.


RESULTS
Final sample included 18 (47%) male patients and age of 35.66±8.04. The performance Er:YAG group was superior in all sites. Reduction in the size of patches was greater in Er:YAG group (p-value=.004). Also, this group showed a higher pigmentation scores in the trial period than control group (p-value<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Greater reduction in the size and increase in pigmentation score was seen in Er:YAG group especially for short periods after therapy and repeating laser sessions may help improving final outcomes. Er:AYG could help in reducing complications of long-term topical treatments, achieving faster response, and improving patient adherence.
['Mokhtari|Fatemeh|F|', 'Bostakian|Anis|A|', 'Shahmoradi|Zabihollah|Z|', 'Jafari-Koshki|Tohid|T|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6928-1387', 'Iraji|Fariba|F|', 'Faghihi|Gita|G|', 'Hosseini|Sayed Mohsen|SM|', 'Bafandeh|Behzad|B|']
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous D000328:Adult D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents D002990:Clobetasol D003131:Combined Modality Therapy D005260:Female D005472:Fluorouracil D006801:Humans D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents D053844:Lasers, Solid-State D008297:Male D012880:Skin Pigmentation D014820:Vitiligo
vitiligo clobetasol trial 5-Fluorouracil cream Erbium YAG laser