Retrospective clinical comparison of hemangioma treatment by flashlamp‐pumped (585 nm) and frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) lasers

Abstract

Background and Objective Laser therapy using the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL), along with contact cryotherapy, has proven to be an effective method with few side effects in the early treatment of superficial hemangiomas in infancy. The long-pulsed frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (VersaPulse®) is a new kind of laser whose efficacy and safety we examined in direct comparison with the FPDL. Study Design/Materials and Methods In a retrospective comparative study, we treated 50 infants with a total of 62 superficial hemangiomas. A total of 29 hemangiomas were treated with the FPDL (wavelength 585 nm, impulse duration 0.3–0.45 msec), 33 with the VersaPulse® (wavelength 532 nm, impulse duration 1–50 msec). Results With an average of 3.0 and 2.6 treatments (FPDL/VersaPulse® respectively), a cessation of growth or regressive tendency could be achieved in 93% and 70% of the hemangiomas, respectively. Complete regression occurred in 41% (FPDL) or 30% (VersaPulse®). Only in 7% (FPDL) or 18% (VersaPulse®) was there progression despite laser therapy. The side effect rates of both laser systems were low. Conclusion The FPDL has proven to be the slightly more effective treatment method in comparison and, therefore, remains the therapy of choice for the initial treatment. If parents wish to pursue further treatment in the regression phase of hemangiomas to optimize the cosmetic appearance, we recommend the VersaPulse® due to its low rates of side effects and painfulness. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:40–43, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.