Treatment of Port Wine Stains with Pulsed Dye Laser: A Retrospective Study in Pakistani Population

Background:- In the field of Plastic Surgery, variable-pulse 585 nm pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) are now in common usage for management of vascular skin lesions. However, there is little information available for the treatment of port-wine stains in our population.
Objectives:- To determine the efficacy of pulse dye 585 nm laser (PDL) in the treatment of port-wine stains (PWSs)in the local population.

Methodology: This was a descriptive case series conducted at Jinnah Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from December 2018 to November 2019.A total of 36 patients of Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV with PWS underwent multiple treatments with 585 nm Pulsed Dye Laser therapy. Serial photographs were taken before and after every session and were assessed by two consultant plastic surgeons. Efficacy was measured by “The Physician Global Assessment score”in terms of clinical recovery response after 3 months of treatment. Significant improvement” (skin recovery: 51%–75%), and “cure” (skin recovery: 76%–100%) was taken as efficacy yes, otherwise taken as no.
Results: Two (5.5%) patients showed a total cure. Significant improved in 15 (41.6%) patients and moderate improvement were observed in 12 (33.3%) patients. Poor improvement was shown in 7(19.4%) patients. 8 (22.2%) patients showed post-laser bruising which settled down with steroid cream (Hydrocortisone 1%) over 1 week. None showed recurrence of PWS till now.
Conclusion: PDL 585nm wavelength with a fluence of 8-10j/cm2 with a pulse duration of 1.5 to 40 ms is an effective and safe treatment for port-wine stain in Pakistani skin.

Keywords | pulse dye laser,nevus flammeus,telangiectasia, port wine stain, capillary malformation.

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