Treatment of neck port-wine stain with intense pulsed light in Chinese population

Abstract

Background: Studies of lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) on facial port wine stain (PWS) were frequently reported. Neck PWS was seldom concerned. Objective: This paper was aimed to identify the efficacy and safety of IPL in the treatment of neck PWS in Chinese patients. Methods: Twenty-nine Chinese patients with neck PWS were enrolled to receive IPL therapy for five sessions at an interval of 4- to 5 weeks. The parameters were set as cut-off filters of 560 nm, single pulse with pulse width of 6 ms and fluence of 20–24 J/cm2 or double pulse with pulse width of 4.5–5.0 ms, pulse delay of 15–30 ms, and fluence of 18–25 J/cm2. The efficacy was evaluated using subjective assessment and non-invasive measurement. The adverse effects were recorded. Results: Over 60% patients achieved more than 50% improvement and over 50% participants were very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment. The participants less than 18 years old achieved better efficacy than the participants over 18 years old. The red or purple lesions gained better response to IPL treatment than the pink lesions. Adverse effects were limited. Conclusion: IPL is effective in neck PWS of Chinese population. Adverse effects were minimal and acceptable.