%0 Journal Article
%T Influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy on serum folate level in skin of color females: A cross-sectional study.
%A Alhameedy MM
%A Basendwh MA
%J Int J Womens Dermatol
%V 8
%N 1
%D Mar 2022
%M 35620029
暂无%R 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000005
%X Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) (311-312 nm) is widely used for dermatological conditions with a favorable side-effect profile during pregnancy. Recently published data showed that NB-UVB might decrease serum folate level in Fitzpatrick skin phenotype I-III, especially at higher doses; this may predispose newborns to neural tube defects.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>To compare serum folate levels of skin of color females treated with NB-UVB and healthy females of childbearing age, as well as to note whether subsequent complications have been observed, if any.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Multicenter, cross-sectional study of 30 females (N = 30): 15 female patients undergoing NB-UVB phototherapy as well as 15 age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy volunteers who were enrolled into the study after excluding factors known to alter serum folate concentration. NB-UVB exposures were performed 2-3 times a week for at least 8-12 weeks (mean cumulative NB-UVB dose ± standard deviation [SD] was 55 ± 79 J/cm2).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Mean serum folate ± SD in NB-UVB exposed and healthy controls were 10.3 ± 4 and 8.3 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively. This was not a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .14).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Small sample size (N = 30) and a cross-sectional study type.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Cumulative NB-UVB exposure is not associated with a statistically significant difference in serum folate level (P > .05) in skin of color females of childbearing age in comparison to age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy females, even with the relatively higher cumulative doses (mean ± SD was 55 ± 79 J/cm2) that have been shown to reduce serum folate level in lighter skin phenotypes.