Assessment of the efficacy of 595nm pulsed dye laser in the management of facial flat angiomas. Results of a case series.

Abstract

Studies on pulsed dye laser (PDL) have shown the best efficacy and safety data for treating vascular anomalies among the various lasers used and the 595-nm PDL has been used to treat cutaneous vascular anomalies for about 30 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of 595nm Pulsed Dye Laser in the management of facial flat angiomas present in the form of Port-Wine Stain. Seven cases of PWS in Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from I to III and colour ranging from pink to purple, were treated with 595nm pulse Dye Laser. Patients underwent to 6-8 laser sessions at 20-30 days intervals. Results obtained were judged by dermatologist, by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs, 6 months after the last session and a quartile scale of lesion clearance (4-point Investigator Global Assessment scale): 1=no or low results (0%-25% of the lesion area improved), 2=slight improvement (25%-50% of the lesion area cleared), 3=moderate-good improvement (50%-75%), and 4=excellent improvement (75%-100%) was used. Possible side effects such as blisters, hyper/hypopigmentation, and scarring were monitored. All patients observed global improvements. 71% of patients achieved excellent clearance and 29% patients achieved good-moderate clearance of their angioma. Patients were asked for a subjective evaluation of the results: 57% of patients were very satisfied, 29% were satisfied, and 14% patients were not very satisfied with the results. No patients were dissatisfied. No significant side effects were noted. This research confirms the efficacy of the 595nm PDL for flat angioma management, without considerable side effects.