Comparative Study of Effectiveness with Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) vs NB-UVB with Topical Tacrolimus Ointment (0.1%) in the Treatment of Vitiligo among the Armed Forces Personnel Attending Combined Military Hospital Dhaka

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial depigmenting disorder caused by melanocyte loss [1–10]. This study evaluates the comparative effectiveness of NB-UVB alone versus NB-UVB combined with 0.1% topical tacrolimus in vitiligo patients.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compare the effecacy of Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) alone versus NB-UVB combined with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment in treating vitiligo.

Methods: This randomized controlled study at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, CMH Dhaka (Feb–Aug 2021) included 70 patients with stable vitiligo over 14 years, randomized to Group A (0.1% tacrolimus + NB-UVB) or Group B (placebo + NB-UVB). Repigmentation was assessed monthly over three months using a visual analog scale, categorized as excellent (>75%), good (50–75%), moderate (25–49%), or poor (<25%). Data were analyzed with SPSS v23.0 (t-tests, chi-square; p < 0.05).

Results: Among 140 patients (70 per group), most were aged 21–30 years (A 38.6%, B 40.0%) and male (A 61.4%, B 67.1%). Disease duration <5 years occurred in 65.7% (A) and 61.4% (B), and non-segmental vitiligo in 90.0% (A) and 87.1% (B). Baseline depigmentation 1–10% was seen in 78.6% (A) and 82.9% (B). At 3 months, excellent response was higher in A (54.3%) than B (31.4%), with overall efficacy 54.3% vs 31.4% (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Treatment with a combination of NB-UVB and topical Tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) is more effective than treatment with NB-UVB alone in vitiligo.