Laser treatment of childhood haemangioma: progress or not?

Abstract

Childhood haemangiomas are proliferating vascular neoplasms that have a growth phase, a stable phase, and then resolve spontaneously. However, 20–40% of affected children are left with residual skin changes, ranging from mild telangiectasia, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or atrophic skin, to tumour-like fibrofatty residua or permanent deformation of ears, eyelids, nose, or lips. 1 Enjolras O Mulliken JB The current management of vascular birthmarks. Pediatr Dermatol. 1993; 10: 311-333 Crossref PubMed Scopus (252) Google Scholar , 2 Enjolras O Classification and management of the various superficial vascular anomalies: hemangiomas and vascular malformations. J Dermatol. 1997; 24: 701-710 Crossref PubMed Scopus (217) Google Scholar The most important prognostic factors for the permanent damage left by involutive haemangiomas are size, involvement of subcutaneous structures, and associated complications, such as ulceration or infection, or both, which can lead to scarring. Randomised controlled study of early pulsed dye laser treatment of uncomplicated childhood haemangiomas: results of a 1-year analysisPDL treatment in uncomplicated haemangiomas is no better than a wait-and-see policy. Full-Text PDF