A Retrospective Study of Methylprednisolone Mini-Pulse Therapy Combined with Narrow-Band UVB in Non-Segmental Vitiligo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Systemic corticosteroids have been used to arrest the progression of vitiligo. However, side effects have been a constant issue. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical efficacy and side effect of oral methylprednisolone (MPD) mini-pulse therapy combined with narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) for adults with non-segmental vitiligo retrospectively. METHODS: 32 patients with extensive and/or spreading vitiligo received 0.5 mg/kg MPD on 2 consecutive days per week with NBUVB therapy for at least 3 months. RESULTS: All of the 32 patients (100%) showed progression arrest within 12 weeks. Nineteen out of 32 patients (59.4%) presented repigmentation on more than 25% of lesions. Thirteen patients (40.6%) achieved satisfactory repigmentation in more than 50% of lesions. Only 2 patients discontinued the medication due to gastrointestinal trouble. CONCLUSION: Oral MPD mini-pulse therapy combined with NBUVB appears effective in arresting vitiligo progression and rapidly inducing repigmentation with minimal side effects.