Effectiveness of UVA1-irradiation in the Treatment of Early Skin Fibrosis in Patients Suffering From Systemic Sclerosis

Multizenter-Studie Zur UVA-1 Therapie für Die Hautbeteiligung Bei Systemischer Sklerodermie

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare chronic inflammatory diseae of the connective tissue involving the skin and internal organs. To date there is no proven therapy for the skin fibrosis available. A number of case reports and small uncontrolled cohort studies suggest that UVA1 therapy may improve skin fibrosis. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether treatment UVA1 in deed is effective in treating skin fibrosis in SSc using a randomized, intraindividual half body irradiation protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• systemic sclerosis ACR criteria
• skin fibrosis at least involving the distal third of the lower arm

Exclusion Criteria:

• photosensitizing drugs
• recent UV therapy