Our approach to pediatric dermatologic laser surgery

Optimizing parameters of the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL, 585-nm) for hemangioma treatment using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

The lack of objectivity options for a specific individualized therapy might cause challenges in laser treatment. In other words, we need optimally determined laser parameters for less side effects. Generally, laser treatment procedures seem to be subjective. Then, the final evaluation of the patient needs for optimized better response with less laser sections and less side effects. Therefore, employing a reliable objective technique seems to be essential for better response with less laser treatment sessions and also less side effects.

METHOD

In this research, UV-visible diffused reflection spectra from normal skin and a lesion were taken. We obtained the differences in absorption intensity at 575 nm, the wavelength corresponds to the absorption peak of blood oxyhemoglobin for normal skin and hemangioma. To calibrate the measurements, after using pulsed dye laser (PDL at 585 nm), the PDL treatment response of the patients were graded as "good (>50%), moderate(25%-50%), and poor (0%-25%)," by a specialist. Finally, patients were categorized based on the energy of the laser for the best treatment response to propose the recommended laser parameters.

RESULTS

Based on the differences in the absorption peak hemangioma compare with normal skin, the energy density of PDL for a good treatment response of hemangioma was obtained at peak wavelength 575 nm.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of optical reflection spectroscopy can assess the correlation of absorption peak differences of vascular lesions and normal skin. According to this data, it seems to be effective in optimizing lasers parameters for the hemangioma treatment.

Pediatric Laser Therapy in Pigmented Conditions

Advances in laser therapy have led to novel therapeutic approaches to common pediatric skin conditions. As a non-invasive alternative to surgical options, laser therapy is efficacious in treating a broad range of conditions, from vascular and pigmented lesions to tattoo and hair removal. This paper reviews the basic mechanics of laser therapy, its role in common pigmented pediatric dermatoses, and special considerations for this unique age group.

Successful Management of Lip and Oral Venous Varices by Photocoagulation with Nd:YAG Laser

AIM

This study assessed the effectiveness of photocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of lip and oral venous varices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen consecutive patients (eight men and eight women, mean age 56 years) diagnosed as having either lip or oral venous varices, were examined and treated with a noncontact Nd:YAG laser. As lesions were small (less than 1 cm), round or oval in shape, flat, dark to blue in color and symptomless, patients sought for treatment either for esthetic reason, bleeding or cancerophobia-related concern.

RESULTS

All but one lesion were successfully treated with only one irradiation exposure. Healing was completed in about 2 to 4 weeks; none of the patients experienced complications or recurrence. Pain was out of any major concern during immediate follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although photocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser did not outperform the effectiveness observed with diode laser (data shown in a previous study),(17) it proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of lip and oral varices, with consistent results.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Most of patients with oral and lip varices only need some clinical advice regarding the their nature of their lesions. Yet, for those who seek treatment for this conditions, the use Nd:YAG laser is an option as it yields satisfactory outcomes.

Effect of early long-pulse pulsed dye laser treatment in infantile hemangiomas

BACKGROUND

Despite several recent reports on the efficacy of long-pulse pulsed dye laser (LP-PDL) in treating infantile hemangiomas, controversy remains.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the beneficial effects of early therapeutic intervention with LP-PDL in superficial and mixed hemangiomas.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clinical data from 40 children with 47 hemangiomas in preproliferative or proliferative phase treated with LP-PDL in a Korean tertiary hospital over 5 years were analyzed retrospectively. Treatments were repeated at 1- to 4-week intervals until growth stopped.

RESULTS

Of the 47 hemangiomas, 32 were superficial, and 15 were mixed at presentation. Age was 9.6 ± 5.9 weeks at initiation of treatment and 18.0 ± 8.6 weeks at completion, and a positive linear correlation existed between the two. There were a mean of 4.6 ± 2.6 treatments per hemangioma, which was lower in superficial than in mixed hemangiomas. Improvement in color was documented in 84.4% of superficial and 86.7% of mixed hemangiomas, and 75.0% of superficial and 66.7% of mixed shrank. Hyperpigmentation occurred in two superficial hemangiomas.

CONCLUSION

Early intervention in hemangiomas using LP-PDL successfully prevents further growth and accelerates a transition to plateau or involution phase with minimal adverse events, achieving good cosmetic outcomes.

Intense Pulsed-Light Therapy for Proliferative Haemangiomas of Infancy

Infantile haemangioma therapy has long been a wait-and-see policy. Since recent development of laser and light therapy, pulsed dye laser has been successfully used for treating superficial haemangiomas. Few studies have been published about treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) to assess the risk/benefit of IPL in the treatment of infantile haemangiomas during their early proliferative phase. In the present retrospective cohort study, we retrieved data about a series of 14 Caucasian children (median age: 4.8 months) with infantile haemangiomas treated with Photoderm Vasculight flash lamp. All patients experienced a rapid regression of the haemangiomas after 3 treatments on average. Few adverse events were noted, including ulceration and crusts. No residual scarring and cosmetic damages were noticed. Fast growing haemangiomas should be treated with light therapy as soon as possible. This technology is safe, efficient, inducing regression, and preventing any further functional and aesthetic complications. The benefit-risk ratio favours the treatment of most types of haemangiomas which are out of the scope of betablocker administration.

Venous lake of the lips treated using photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser in the treatment of venous lake (VL) lesions.

BACKGROUND DATA

VL is a common vascular lesion characterized by elevated, usually dome-shaped papules, ranging in color from dark blue to dark purple, seen more frequently in elderly patients. They often occur as single lesions on the ears, face, lips, or neck. Once formed, lesions persist throughout life. Although these lesions are usually asymptomatic, they can bleed if injured.

METHODS

Seventeen patients (7 men and 10 women) with VL on the lip were treated using a noncontact diode laser (wavelength 808 nm, power output 2-3 W in continuous wave).

RESULTS

After only one irradiation exposure, all lesions were successfully treated. Healing was completed in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, and none of the patients experienced complications. Postoperative discomfort and scarring were not present or were minimal.

CONCLUSION

Photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser is an effective, bloodless procedure for the treatment of VL.

Laser treatment of mucosal venous malformations of the upper aerodigestive tract in 50 patients

We examined the clinical appearance of mucosal venous malformations of the upper aerodigestive tract with regard to their accessibility to laser therapy and further assessed the value of treatment of these lesions with the Nd:YAG and CO(2) lasers. A retrospective study was performed in 50 patients who had undergone laser treatment for mucosal low-flow vascular malformations of the upper aerodigestive tract. Records were reviewed for demographic data, extent of the lesion, treatment modality, required number of therapy sessions and the therapeutic outcome. Follow-up was performed by postinterventional clinical examination and additional interview by phone for current status. Between 1 July 2001 and 30 September 2008 32 women and 18 men received laser treatment and were followed up until 30 June 2009. The lesions were classified into three grades according to their extent and clinical presentation, as follows: grade 1 <2 cm, asymptomatic or mild symptoms; grade 2 2-4 cm, asymptomatic or mild symptoms; and grade 3 > or =4 cm or multiple locations (more than two) or severe symptoms such as dyspnoea, pain or dysphagia. Of the 50 patients, 13 (26%) were classified as having grade 1 disease, 22 (44%) grade 2 disease, and 15 (30%) grade 3 disease. Treatment in 39 patients was solely with the Nd:YAG laser using the noncontact or interstitial technique. Resection using the CO(2) laser was performed in six patients, and combined conventional surgery and Nd:YAG laser therapy in five patients. The applied grading reflects the extent of laser therapy and also the number of therapy sessions performed in patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser. Resection with the CO(2) laser is suitable for grade 1 lesions. In advanced lesions a combined therapeutic approach and multiple sessions are necessary. The Nd:YAG laser is still a valuable therapeutic tool for the treatment of venous malformations of the mucosa.

Laser treatment of pediatric vascular lesions: Port wine stains and hemangiomas

Pediatric vascular lesions can be medically threatening and psychologically distressing to patients. This article reviews literature on the laser treatment of two common pediatric vascular lesions, port wine stains and hemangiomas. The purpose of this report was to distinguish the lesions from one another and to present the advantages, disadvantages, complications, and limitations of laser treatment for each lesion type. This review is not a comprehensive inventory but instead highlights the studies that best show promising results or the limitations of laser treatment for the lesions. Overall, port wine stain laser treatment promoted notable clearing with low side effects, whereas hemangioma laser treatment provided inconsistent benefits and severe side effects occasionally. Laser treatment of port wine stains is safe and effective, but laser treatment of hemangiomas remains controversial and is best for lesions without deeper components.

Vascular lasers and IPLS: guidelines for care from the European Society for Laser Dermatology (ESLD)

Dermatology and dermatologic surgery have rapidly evolved during the last two decades thanks to the numerous technological and scientific acquisitions focused on improved precision in the diagnosis and treatment of skin alterations. Given the proliferation of new devices for the treatment of vascular lesions, we have considerably changed our treatment approach. Lasers and non-coherent intense pulse light sources (IPLS) are based on the principle of selective photothermolysis and can be used for the treatment of many vascular skin lesions. A variety of lasers has recently been developed for the treatment of congenital and acquired vascular lesions which incorporate these concepts into their design. The list is a long one and includes pulsed dye (FPDL, APDL) lasers (577 nm, 585 nm and 595 nm), KTP lasers (532 nm), long pulsed alexandrite lasers (755 nm), pulsed diode lasers (in the range of 800 to 900 nm), long pulsed 1064 Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulsed light sources (IPLS, also called flash-lights or pulsed light sources). Several vascular lasers (such as argon, tunable dye, copper vapour, krypton lasers) which were used in the past are no longer useful as they pose a higher risk of complications such as dyschromia (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) and scarring. By properly selecting the wavelength which is maximally absorbed by the target--also called the chromophore (haemoglobin in the red blood cells within the vessels)--and a corresponding pulse duration which is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of that target, the target can be preferentially injured without transferring significant amounts of energy to surrounding tissues (epidermis and surrounding dermal tissue). Larger structures require more time for sufficient heat absorption. Therefore, a longer laser-pulse duration has to be used. In addition, more deeply situated vessels require the use of longer laser wavelengths (in the infrared range) which can penetrate deeper into the skin. Although laser and light sources are very popular due to their non-invading nature, caution should be considered by practitioners and patients to avoid permanent side effects. These guidelines focus on patient selection and treatment protocol in order to provide safe and effective treatment. Physicians should always make the indication for the treatment and are responsible for setting the machine for each individual patient and each individual treatment. The type of laser or IPLS and their specific parameters must be adapted to the indication (such as the vessel's characteristics, e.g. diameter, colour and depth, the Fitzpatrick skin type). Treatments should start on a test patch and a treatment grid can improve accuracy. Cooling as well as a reduction of the fluence will prevent adverse effects such as pigment alteration and scar formation. A different number of repeated treatments should be done to achieve complete results of different vascular conditions. Sunscreen use before and after treatment will produce and maintain untanned skin. Individuals with dark skin, and especially tanned patients, are at higher risk for pigmentary changes and scars after the laser or IPLS treatment.

Port-wine-stain-associated dermatitis: implications for cutaneous vascular laser therapy

Port-wine stains are congenital vascular malformations affecting 0.3% to 0.5% of infants. Dermatitis occurring exclusively or most severely within port-wine stains has been described in the literature. Traditionally, topical corticosteroid therapy has been used for the treatment of dermatitis, while pulseddye laser treatment is considered a safe and effective means of lightening the appearance of congenital port-wine stains. To describe the development of port-wine stain-associated dermatitis as well as a rational treatment approach to these patients, we studied three children with facial, limb, or truncal port-wine stains who developed dermatitis within the congenital vascular malformation either prior to or during treatment with pulseddye laser. Laser therapy of dermatitis-affected areas was subsequently deferred pending resolution of the dermatitis with topical corticosteroid or topical calcineurin inhibitor treatment. While pulseddye laser therapy is an effective means of lightening port-wine stains and achieving lasting resolution of any associated dermatitis, this therapy to dermatitis-affected areas should be postponed until the inflammation resolves to minimize the risk of laser-associated adverse effects.

Pediatric surgical pearls: minimizing complications

Performing dermatologic surgery in infants and children presents unique challenges. A thorough understanding of both pediatric developmental milestones and their unique surgical circumstances is essential to providing optimal dermatologic care of the pediatric patient. In this work, we combine the authors' experiences with data from the literature to provide pediatric dermatologic procedural pearls.

Mathematical modeling of selective photothermolysis to aid the treatment of vascular malformations and hemangioma with pulsed dye laser

Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) are the standard of care in the treatment of cutaneous vascular disorders such as the port-wine strains or hemangiomas of infancy. Nonetheless, there is still uncertainty regarding the specific laser parameters that are likely to yield optimal clinical outcomes. Using mathematical modeling, we explain and associate clinical outcomes with laser wavelength, radiant exposure, and pulse time and shape. The model's prediction that a continuous PDL pulse of 0.45 ms with a radiant exposure of 6 J/cm(2) is equivalent to delivering a 1.5-ms pulse consisting of three pulses with a radiant exposure of 12 J/cm(2) is in agreement with clinical studies. The model also suggests that for vascular malformations involving vessel diameters in the range of 150-500 microm, one should use a PDL at a wavelength of 595 nm with a radiant exposure of at least 12 J/cm(2) and pulse time of 1.5 ms, delivered in three pulses. Whereas it is calculated that malformations with vessels smaller than 50 microm will not respond to PDL in any clinical setting, an excellent response to PDL treatment at either a 585- or 595-nm wavelength can be expected for malformations with vessel diameters of 50-150 microm. Epidermal cooling is highly recommended for all settings to minimize pain and the risk of side effects. Finally, the model is used to generate a reference table that suggests specific PDL parameters for the treatment of various malformations and hemangiomas. The table cannot replace a clinician's experience with respect to which and how parameters should be changed, but provides a defined window of parameters that should be tried to improve clinical response.