LONG-TERM ULTRAVIOLET-A1 IRRADIATION THERAPY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Objective. In a recent series of short term studies ultraviolet-Al (UV -A1; 340-400 nm) dermal irradiation proved effective in reducing signs and symptoms of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus eryt hematosus (SLE). To determine if the effectiveness persisted with long term therapy, we followed the progress of 6 of these patients for an a verage of 3.4 (range 2.4-4.5) yrs. The 6 had had significant decreases in signs and symptoms of disease activity during the first 12 weeks o f the earlier studies while receiving 3 to 5 low dose UV-A1 irradiatio ns weekly and were asked to continue into longterm therapy. Methods. L ongterm therapy consisted of 1 or 2 irradiations of 6-15 J/m(2) (15-30 min, or about 1/8-1/4 minimal erythema dose) per week. We assessed th eir progress every 3 mo with the systemic lupus activity measures. Res ults. Despite the smaller number of weekly treatments, the gains achie ved during the initial 12 weeks of the early studies not only persiste d but increased slightly. Tanning was moderate to absent, the therapy was well tolerated, and there was no apparent toxicity. Conclusion. UV -AI radiation induced remissions in SLE persist with longterm therapy; 1 or 2 weekly exposures suffice; there appears to be no significant t oxicity.