Efficacy and safety of quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (532nm) laser therapy of port-wine stains
Keywords:
Port-wine stain, quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled, Nd, YAG laserAbstract
Background The quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd:YAG) 532nm laser has been used for the first time in the treatment of port-wine stain(PWS).Objectives To determine the efficacy and side effects of quasi-continuous Nd:YAG 532nmlaser in the treatment of PWS.Methods Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The site and colour of PWS wererecorded and assessed subjectively and by photography both before and after treatment. Thepatients had test areas treated and followed up after four weeks. Maximally eight treatmentswere given on any one site or until >75% improvement occurred. Final evaluation was doneone month after the last treatment session on a four-point scale.Results Twenty patients were treated, age range 15-35 years with 14 females. All the patientshad PWS in the head and neck region and achieved >25% improvement. Patients underwenta mean of 7.55 treatment sessions. Overall, fifteen (75%) showed 75-100% improvement.The side effects seen in the study were hyperpigmentation in 65% cases, textural changes insix (30%) and eczematization after laser therapy in four (20%) of patients. Othercomplications included intraoperative hemorrhage and pyogenic granuloma-like lesions thatoccurred in two cases (10%) each.Conclusion We have shown that frequency doubled Nd:YAG 532nm is effective and safe inthe treatment of PWS.References
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