Comparison of 308 nm excimer laser versus 308 nm excimer lamp in treatment of vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vitiligo is a persistent autoimmune disorder characterized by depigmentation of the skin. Both the 308 nm Excimer Laser and Lamp have been adopted for the treatment of vitiligo, but a direct comparison of their efficacy and safety is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing both modalities in the management of vitiligo. Primary outcomes included overall repigmentation, ≥75% repigmentation, ≥50% repigmentation, and mean repigmentation score. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects. Three RCTs involving 168 patients with 421 vitiligo lesions were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed no statistically significant difference between the two treatment modalities in terms of overall repigmentation, ≥75% repigmentation, ≥50% repigmentation, mean repigmentation score, or adverse effects. Both approaches appear to be effective and safe for the treatment of vitiligo. The choice between the two modalities may depend on factors such as cost, availability, and patient preference. Further research is warranted to identify potential subgroups of patients who may benefit more from one modality over the other.