PSORIASIS ASSOCIATION RESEARCH REPORT

Title of the research project
What is the optimum method for measuring minimal erythemal dose (MED) for narrow band UVB therapy?

Grant Awarded £22,416

Location of the research University of Dundee

Lead researcher Dr H Moseley

Reasons for doing the research
Because traditional ways of measuring MED are cumbersome and time consuming and expose staff to potentially harmful levels of UV, many phototherapy centres around the UK (around 70%) are not carrying out the MED test. This means that patients may not be started on UVB radiation at the most appropriate dose, risking either burning or under-treatment.

Type of research
Testing of different equipment on volunteers and patients to determine the most effective way of measuring MED.

Date grant awarded 2005

Date research completed 2007

Outcomes of the research
A handheld MED device known as the Durham Erythema Test Device was found to produce good results that agreed with those of the standard test method. Importantly, there was also complete agreement between two assessors measuring MED independently. The device is easy to use, with low risk of staff exposure.

Conclusions
Centres that have not been using MED because of concerns about standard testing methods should now feel able to carry out MED testing with this safe and easy-to-use device.

What does this project mean for people with psoriasis?
This research has shown that good practice in relation to MED testing is easy with the right equipment. More reliable measurement of MED should mean that patients with psoriasis who are prescribed UVB therapy start treatment at the most appropriate dosage.

Have there been any publications as a result of the research?
None as yet.

Glossary
Minimal erythemal dose: This is a way of measuring skin sensitivity to UVB. The minimal erythemal dose is the amount of exposure to UVB at which there is just perceptible redness of the skin. This is the UVB dose at which treatment starts.