A preliminary study to assess the efficacy of a new UVA1 laser for treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of an UVA1 355 nm laser (Alba 355) for treatment of mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis.

BACKGROUND DATA: Psoriasis is an immune-inflammatory and proliferative skin disease. During the past few years, the instrumental treatment by UV radiation has been successfully described, either alone or in combination with topical and/or systemic drug administration to treat several skin-related diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients, aged between 25 and 50 years (37.7±2.3 [mean±SEM]), affected by mild-to-severe psoriatic plaques, were included in this study. Patients were treated with a new instrument, laser Alba 355, which administers energy in the UVA1 spectrum. This instrument is based on a 1064 wavelength neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser optically pumped using a 808 nm infrared beam able to achieve a third harmonic 355 nm wave delivery. The fluences administered were 80-140 J/cm2 four times a week for a total of up to 12 sessions over selected psoriatic plaques in different areas of the patients' bodies. The patients rated their satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure as 1 not satisfied, 2 quite satisfied, 3 very satisfied.

RESULTS: Overall, laser treatment of psoriatic plaques produced a significant improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (F [3, 55]=57.86; p<0.001). The mean PASI score decreased from a baseline value of 24.5±2.9 to a value of 15.6±1.9 at 1 week (p<0.001), 9.1±1.2 at 2 weeks (p<0.001), and 5.8±1.2 at 3 weeks (p<0.001). All the patients were very satisfied with the outcome of procedure. No side effects were observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study outlines an original approach based on UVA1 355 nm laser therapy for treatment of mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. In the present study, the high success rate was coupled with safety. Larger clinical trials are needed to definitely support the role of this medical device not only for treatment of psoriasis, but also for other skin-related diseases that share a similar pathophysiology. We speculate that in the near future, the use of this laser will grow in the dermatology clinic.