Immunomodulatory Effects of NB-UVB and Steroids in Vitiligo: A Study on CXCL11 and TEMRA Biomarkers

Design:

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms.

Duration: Six months (including baseline and follow-up assessments).

Setting: Outpatient dermatology clinic at Assiut University Hospital, Egypt.

Objectives:

Compare the immunomodulatory effects of NB-UVB alone vs. NB-UVB + OMP steroids in vitiligo patients.

Assess CXCL11 and TEMRA levels as potential biomarkers for disease activity and treatment response.

Evaluate clinical repigmentation using Vitiligo Extent Score (VES/VESplus).

Methodology:

40 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo will be enrolled.

20 patients will undergo serum analysis for CXCL11 and TEMRA via ELISA.

Treatment arms:

NB-UVB monotherapy (twice weekly).

NB-UVB + OMP steroids (dexamethasone 2.5-3 mg/week).

Follow-up: Clinical and immunological assessments at baseline and 6 months.

Inclusion criteria

Clinically diagnosed non-segmental vitiligo (stable for ≥3 months).

Fitzpatrick skin types III-V (common in the Egyptian population).

No recent systemic therapy for vitiligo (within the last 3 months).

Exclusion criteria

Photosensitivity disorders (e.g., lupus, porphyria).

Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Active infections, malignancies, or immunosuppressive conditions.

History of hypertrophic scarring or melanoma.