PUVA photochemotherapy
Bendl, B.J.
Canadian Medical Association Journal 118(11): 1348-1350
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4409 PMID: 657023 Document Number: 129287
The history of psoralen administration and long wave UV therapy (PUVA) origin and development is reviewed. A standard effective treatment schedule of combined oral psoralen administration and UVA irradiation has been established, but strict documentation and adherence to treatment protocol are necessary for safe and effective PUVA therapy. Due to uniformly good results and dramatic improvement in cases with extensive and severe psoriasis, PUVA therapy should be made availablve refractory to the usual treatment modalities. These patients must be made fully aware of the potential side effects of long-term therapy regardless of how remote they may seem.