IMPACT OF NARROWBAND UVB THERAPY ON HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN VITILIGO: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Main Article Content
Keywords
Narrowband UVB, Vitiligo, Histopathology
Abstract
Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy has emerged as a cornerstone in vitiligo management; however, its precise histopathological impact remains inadequately characterized. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the histopathological alterations induced by NB-UVB therapy in vitiligo patients. Forty individuals with non-segmental vitiligo were randomized into two groups: Group A received NB-UVB therapy thrice weekly for 12 weeks, while Group B served as controls without phototherapy. Pre- and post-treatment skin biopsies were analyzed for melanocyte count, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory infiltrates.
Results demonstrated a significant increase in melanocyte density (mean increase: 3.2 ± 0.5 cells/mm²; p<0.001) and epidermal thickness (mean increase: 0.15 ± 0.03 mm; p=0.002) in Group A compared to controls. Additionally, a marked reduction in perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates was observed post-therapy (p=0.005). These findings underscore NB-UVB's role in not only promoting repigmentation but also modulating the local immune milieu and epidermal architecture. The study introduces novel histopathological insights into NB-UVB's mechanisms, highlighting its dual action on melanocyte restoration and immune regulation.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Dr. Muhammad Umar Ali Khan
Senior Registrar, Histopathology Department, Bakhtawar Amin Hospital, Multan,
Dr. Muhammad Nasir Khan
District Pathologist ZKS Hospital, Matta, Swat, KPK,
Dr. Fatima Rashid
Associate Professor of histopathology Sialkot Medical College,
Dr. Mehwish Niazi
Assistant Professor of Pathology Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore,
Dr. Zertaj Kashif
Professor of Pathology, Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College, Multan
Dr. Muhammad Bilal Pasha
Associate Professor of Pathology, Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College, Multan
Dr. Farah Naz Tahir
Associate Professor, Biochemistry Department Central Park Medical College, Lahore