Short and Long-Term Outcomes of 308-nm Laser for Pediatric Vitiligo.

Abstract

Pediatric vitiligo is often challenging to treat. Children with vitiligo experience stigma, bullying, and emotional distress. The long-term outcome of therapeutics used to treat pediatric vitiligo has been poorly documented in the literature. It is, therefore, hard to counsel patients on the expected long-term results of therapy. We sought to address outcomes in pediatric vitiligo treated with a 308-nm laser. An IRB-exempt chart review was conducted in June of 2016 of children undergoing active 308-nm laser in the first half of 2016. Demographic data, location of disease, therapeutic parameters of the 308-nm laser, and outcomes were recorded at that time. In 2021, the long-term outcomes were analyzed through chart review addressing pigmentation retained at later office visits. Initial repigmentation was noted in 86.7% of the face, 80% of the body, and 61.7% of the extremities. An average of 3.38 years of follow-up was recorded. Scoring extent of vitiligo using 18 site-scoring was helpful in identifying individuals who are less likely to respond to 308-nm laser, but needs broader evaluation. During that time, repigmentation was noted to be retained in 80% of facial, 40% of the body, and 20% of extremity lesions. Pediatric vitiligo responds well to the 308-nm laser, with the best retention of repigmentation for facial lesions. Patients and parents should be counseled on the likelihood of long-term retention of repigmentation and regarding the need for the ongoing management of vitiligo even after repigmentation is initially achieved after 308-nm laser therapy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):773-775. doi:10.36849/JDD.6895.