Efficacy of prostaglandin E2 versus prostaglandin F2 alpha assisted with narrowband-UVB in stable vitiligo

In the recent decades, prostaglandins were recommended as a new therapeutic modality of stable vitiligo with promising efficacy. Therefore, we designed the current work to compare the significance of two different subtypes of prostaglandins [prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) versus prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a)], assisted with NB-UVB phototherapy, in treatment of stable vitiligo. This study was conducted on 30 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo. Three approximately similar vitiliginous areas were chosen in each patient and assigned into 3 groups. Each group treated with intradermal injection of either PGE2 (group I), PGF2a (group II), or saline as placebo (group III) at frequency once/week for 12 weeks. Concomitantly, all groups received NB-UVB phototherapy twice weekly for 3 months. The outcomes of this study discovered that the therapeutic efficacy of intradermal injection of either PGE2 or PGF2a assisted with NB-UVB phototherapy was comparable with non-significant difference between them in spite of being significantly higher than NB-UVB alone. However, there were a significantly earlier onset of repigmentation and higher degree of satisfaction regarding areas treated with PGE2 than those treated with PGF2a. In conclusion, both PGF2a and PGE2 intradermal injection could be considered as quite simple and affordable techniques in the treatment of stable vitiligo with no reported side effects and good patient satisfaction.

Automated summary

In recent decades, prostaglandins have been recommended as a new therapy for stable vitiligo. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two subtypes of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2a) in combination with NB-UVB phototherapy. The study included 30 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo who were assigned to three groups. The results showed that the therapeutic efficacy of intradermal injection of PGE2 or PGF2a, combined with NB-UVB phototherapy, was comparable and significantly higher than NB-UVB alone. However, PGE2 was associated with earlier onset of repigmentation and higher patient satisfaction compared to PGF2a. In conclusion, both PGE2 and PGF2a intradermal injections are simple and affordable techniques for the treatment of stable vitiligo with no reported side effects and good patient satisfaction.