TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEET BATH PUVA

Background: Bath PUVA has been shown to be an effective alternative tr eatment for psoriasis with fewer systemic side effects than oral metho xsalen (8-MOP). The cost of 8-MOP and the need for a bath unit have pr evented wider use of this treatment. Objective: We investigated the sa fety and efficacy of sheet bath PUVA by restricting the volume of the psoralen/bath water solution to 10 L with the aid of a polyethylene sh eet. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with bath PUVA in a concentration of 0.5 mg of 8-MOP per liter of water. Results: The group required a median of 17 baths (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-20) for clearance. Total UVA dose for the entire group was 26 J/cm(2)(95% CI, 18-47). Conclusion: Sheet bath PU VA is safe, efficient, and easy. This regimen can significantly reduce the amount of 8-MOP required, thereby resulting in a favorable cost/b enefit ratio.