Photochemotherapy of Psoriasis with Oral 8-methoxypsoralen (8-mop) and Solar Irradiation (puvasol Therapy)

Abstract

Forty eight patients having psoriasis were studied with puvasol therapy. Pre-treatment haemogram, platelet count, liver and renal functions were done. To begin with 40 mgm of 8 MOP were given at 10.30 a m and at 12.30 p m sunlight exposure for period varying from 5-30 minutes. After 8 to 12 weeks tri, bi and weekly maintenance therapy was given. The sunlight exposure calculated by the photometer was 8-12 Joules/cm2 per day. The grading of response was undertaken on the basis of three different aspects (1) Subsidence of lesions, Grades were given as excellent with 100% subsidence, good with 90100%, fair with 50-90% and poor with less than 50% subsidence (2) Statistical point score as per Wallace's classification and depending on type and morophology of lesions and (3) Response related to duration of therapy. Of 38 patients with psoriasis vulgaris 21 showed excellent to. good response. All six cases of psoriasis e ma (100%) showed excellent to good response. Of the three cases of pustular psoriasis, one showed 90- 100%, and 2, 50-90% subsidence. Puvasol therapy proved to be effective, non toxic and inexpensive in psoriasis. In the erythrodemic and pustular phase for the first time the results were encouraging.