Clinical efficacy of the 595 nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of childhood superficial hemangioma – analysis of 10-year application in Chinese patients

Abstract

Background: The 595 nm tunable pulsed dye laser has been used in China for more than 10 years. However, no studies about its effect and side-effect in treatment of superficial hemangioma have been documented. Objective: This study was designed to retrospectively summarize its usage in Chinese patients. Methods: Infant patients with superficial hemangioma, who had received 595 nm tunable pulsed dye laser treatment in our laser center in the last 10 years, were recruited. Detailed demographics, results of assessment about their degree of clearance and clinical examination for treatment complications were entered into SASS10.0 version database, and statistical analyses were conducted. Results: Six hundred and fifty-seven cases with superficial hemangioma were recruited. The overall effectiveness rate was 91.17%. Female patients respond better than male, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Lesions at different part of the body respond differently to the treatment with lesions on extremities show the best result. The response rate does not increase with time of treatments. The most common side-effects were pigment changes and skin atrophy, which usually resolve spontaneously and disappear completely in a few months. Conclusions: Our experience confirmed the satisfactory clinical efficacy and safety of the 595 nm tunable pulse dye laser in the treatment of childhood superficial hemangioma.

• Hemangioma
• pulsed dye laser
• side-effect

Declaration of interest

All phases of this study were supported by Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (Project No 1208085MH182) and Research Foundation of Department of Health, Anhui Province (No 09B138). The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.