Combination of Excimer Laser and Topical Treatment for Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of excimer laser in combination with topical standard therapies for treatment of plaque-type psoriasis in comparison to excimer laser alone, standard topical treatment alone, or placebo.

Methods. A literature search using Medline, Cochrane and HERDIN was conducted. Data were analyzed using mean difference at 95% confidence interval, with heterogeneity determined by I2 test.

Results. Three articles with total of 130 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Topical treatments studied were vitamin analog (calcipotriol), anthralin (dithranol), and steroid (flumethasone pivalate). A subgroup analysis comparing combination therapy and excimer laser alone showed a greater reduction in pooled PASI score reduction (-2.52; 95% CI: -4.28, -0.77) in the combination group after five to six weeks. There was also a significantly greater reduction in cumulative UVB dose (-3.29; 95% CI: -4.29, -2.30) needed for clearing in the combination group. Pigmentation was the commonly observed adverse event in both groups.

Conclusions. Excimer laser, in combination with topical treatment, is more effective than excimer laser alone, with significantly lower cumulative UVB dose, but the quality of current evidence is low. Long-term controlled trials are warranted to increase our confidence in the estimates of these outcomes.