Study comparing localised hand psoralen immersion combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) with localised hand narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) for the treatment of hand eczema
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN18213910 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18213910 |
| Protocol serial number | 11799 |
| Sponsor | Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK) |
| Funder | National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) - Research for Patient Benefit [RfPB] (UK) |
- Submission date
- 27/04/2012
- Registration date
- 27/04/2012
- Last edited
- 26/08/2016
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
This study aims to compare two types of phototherapy (light therapy) for patients with hand eczema. PUVA treatment (psoralen immersion combined with UVA light) is often used for eczema that does not respond to topical treatments. However, PUVA has disadvantages and an alternative treatment is narrow band UVB light treatment (NB UVB), which has been effectively used for whole body eczema. This study aims to provide data to plan a definitive trial of PUVA versus NB UVB for treatment of hand eczema.
Who can participate?
Patients with any type of hand eczema affecting the palmar skin who have been referred for PUVA.
What does the study involve?
Participants will attend phototherapy sessions twice per week for a maximum of 14 weeks. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group 1 will receive NB UVB phototherapy to the hands (i.e., their hands will be exposed to UVB light). Group 2 will receive PUVA phototherapy to the hands (i.e., their hands will be soaked in a diluted solution of psoralen and then exposed to UVA light).
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Possible benefits include improvement of symptoms. There are no known risks of participating in the study.
Where is the study run from?
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Royal Victoria Infirmary (UK).
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study is due to commence in August 2012. Recruitment will last for 15 months.
Who is funding the study?
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit.
Who is the main contact?
Claire Oyston (Trial Manager)
Claire.oyston@ncl.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
Institute of Health and Society 4th Floor William Leech Building
Framlington Place
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 4HH
United Kingdom
| claire.oyston@newcastle.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomised; Interventional; Design type: Treatment |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Observer blind randomised controlled pilot study comparing localised hand PUVA with localised hand narrowband UVB for the treatment of hand eczema |
| Study objectives | This study aims to compare two types of phototherapy for patients with hand eczema. Some previous research has suggested that narrow band UVB light treatment may be as effective for hand eczema as PUVA. Therefore this pilot study will assess the feasibility and refine the methodology for a large multicentre study of PUVA vs narrowband UVB for the treatment of hand eczema. Specifically we will look at the recruitment, retention and response rates of patients. Also test the integrity of the study protocol and pilot the collection of the primary and secondary outcome measures. More details can be found at http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search/StudyDetail.aspx?StudyID=11799 |
| Ethics approval(s) | NRES committee North East Sunderland, 4 April 2012,ref: 12/NE/0033 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Topic: Skin; Subtopic: Skin (all Subtopics); Disease: Dermatology |
| Intervention | 76 participants will be randomised to two groups: Group 1 will receive narrow band UVB phototherapy to the hands. Hands will be exposed to UVB light. Group 2 will receive PUVA phototherapy to the hands. Hands will be soaked in a diluted solution of Psoralen and the exposed to UVA light. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
The proportion of patients responding (clear or almost clear PGA score) Timepoint(s): 12 weeks |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. The percentage improvement in the Modified Total Lesion Symptom Score (mTLSS) |
| Completion date | 28/06/2013 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 76 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Patient has provided written informed consent for participation in the study prior to any study specific procedures 2. Palmar eczema not responding to topical treatments 3. Over 18 years of age 4. No topical treatments (except emollients for 48 hours) 5. No systemic treatments for eczema treatment for 3 months 6. Absence of clinical evidence of bacterial, fungal or viral infection 7. Not pregnant 8. Target Gender: Male & Female |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Inability to give informed consent 2. Significant eczema on the dorsal surface of the hands 3. Previous phototherapy within the last 3 months 4. Previous sunbed use within the last 3 months 5. Current involvement in other investigational studies or trials, or involvement within 3 months prior to study entry |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/08/2012 |
| Date of final enrolment | 28/06/2013 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
NE2 4HH
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not provided at time of registration |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
