Efficacy of Pulsed Dye Laser in Facial Port-Wine Stains in Indian Patients

Current clinical evidence is insufficient to support HMME-PDT as the first choice of treatment for young children with port wine birthmarks

BACKGROUND

Port wine birthmark (PWB) is a congenital vascular malformation of the skin. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the "gold standard" for the treatment of PWB globally. Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME or hemoporfin)-mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) has emerged as the first choice for PWB treatment, particularly for young children, in many major hospitals in China during the past several decades.

AIM

To evaluate whether HMME-PDT is superior to PDL by comparing the clinical efficacies of both modalities.

METHOD

PubMed records were searched for all relevant studies of PWB treatment using PDL (1988-2023) or HMME-PDT (2007-2023). Patient characteristics and clinical efficacies were extracted. Studies with a quartile percentage clearance or similar scale were included. A mean color clearance index (CI) per study was calculated and compared among groups. An overall CI (C0), with data weighted by cohort size, was used to evaluate the final efficacy for each modality.

RESULT

A total of 18 HMME-PDT studies with 3910 patients in China were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Similarly, 40 PDL studies with 5094 patients from nine different countries were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Over 58% of patients in the HMME-PDT studies were minors (<18 years old). A significant portion (21.3%) were young children (<3 years old). Similarly, 33.2% of patients in the PDL studies were minors. A small proportion (9.3%) was young children. The overall clearance rates for PDL were slightly, but not significantly, higher than those for HMME-PDT in cohorts with patients of all ages (C0, 0.54 vs. 0.48, p = 0.733), subpopulations with only minors (C0, 0.54 vs. 0.46, p = 0.714), and young children (C0, 0.67 vs. 0.50, p = 0.081). Regrettably, there was a lack of long-term data on follow-up evaluations for efficacy and impact of HMME-PDT on young children in general, and central nervous system development in particular, because their blood-brain barriers have a greater permeability as compared to adults.

CONCLUSION

PDL shows overall albeit insignificantly higher clearance rates than HMME-PDT in patients of all ages; particularly statistical significance is nearly achieved in young children. Collectively, current evidence is insufficient to support HMME-PDT as the first choice of treatment of PWBs in young children given: (1) overall inferior efficacy as compared to PDL; (2) risk of off-target exposure to meningeal vasculature during the procedure; (3) administration of steriods for mitigation of side effects; -and (4) lack of long-term data on the potential impact of HMME on central nervous system development in young children.

A review of treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed dye laser in fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI

Port-Wine Stains are a congenital vascular malformation that affect 0.3-0.5% of newborns. It is a benign capillary malformation that commonly occurs on the head and neck. It is formed by progressive dilation of the post-capillary venules, and as the patient ages it may be associated with hypertrophy and nodularity which can lead to cosmetic disfigurement and psychological aggravation. There are many choices of treatment such as cryosurgery, cosmetic tattooing, and dermabrasion, amongst others. The treatment of choice is pulse dye laser (PDL) because it is both effective and safe to use. In darker skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI), treatment is more difficult. Caution when treating darker skin types with PDL comes from the fact that there is an inverse correlation between vessel specificity of the PDL and skin pigmentation. In this review, we will be reviewing the literature and discussing the manuscripts that describe the treatment of PWS on patients with fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI. Authors searched the PubMed Medline in the English language from database inception through December 2022 for eligible articles. The keywords searched included "PDL," "pulse dye laser," "skin of color," "Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI," "fitzpatrick," "pigmented skin," "Port-wine stain," "PWS", and "pulse dye laser." The articles that were included discussed PDL in the treatment of PWS in patients of skin of color. Any additional similar articles that were cited in our search were also included. Articles that were excluded did not discuss Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, darker skin type, or PDL. Data collected from each article included the number of participants, Fitzpatrick skin type, age, and laser parameters. There were 120 articles that were reviewed from our search and a total of nine articles met inclusion criteria with 241 patients that were considered Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI. The patients were of a wide range of ages from 1 month to 74 years old. In our review, patients who are treated at a younger age had better results than when treated at an older age. The results show that darker skin individuals have better results when treated at a younger age compared to adults, they can experience complete resolution. Adults who were treated saw a variation of results, from improvements in the appearance to hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation or scarring of the treated area. Patients who are Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI are at higher risk of adverse events when treated with PDL for PWS when compared to patients of other skin types. Studies show that PDL can be beneficial for PWS in patients of skin of color; however, there are risks of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring that are important to take into consideration when treating these patients. Further research is warranted to improve the understanding of PDL for PWS in patients of skin of color.

Therapeutic Strategies for Untreated Capillary Malformations of the Head and Neck Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Background

Capillary malformations of the head and neck region often cause psychological and physical burden. As the effectiveness of modern laser and light therapies is still suboptimal, patients often seek different therapeutic strategies. Other recognized, but not routinely proposed therapies include cosmetic camouflage, surgery, and medical tattooing. Information on therapeutic outcomes is currently lacking for patients to adequately participate in the treatment decision-making process.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to review the effectiveness and safety of recognized therapies for untreated capillary malformations of the head and neck: laser and light treatment modalities, photodynamic therapy, cosmetic camouflage, medical tattooing, and surgery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 16 December, 2020 for observational and experimental studies examining recognized therapies for untreated capillary malformations of the head and neck. Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Predefined treatment and safety outcomes of pooled data were scored using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

We included 48 observational and three randomized studies (totaling 3068 patients), evaluating nine different therapies. No studies on surgery or cosmetic camouflage matched our inclusion criteria. The pooled proportion of patients reaching a ≥75% clearance was 43% (95% confidence interval 24–64%; I² = 55%) for the pulsed dye laser after three to eight treatment sessions (GRADE score: very low). Other therapies were less effective. Hyperpigmentation was most frequently described after the pulsed dye laser (incidences up to 40%). Pain was most common after photodynamic therapy, yet the intensity was unreported. Substantial heterogeneity among studies as to patient characteristics and outcomes limited pooling and data comparisons.

Conclusions

The pulsed dye laser seems preferable for treatment-naive capillary malformations of the head and neck region, yet demonstrates greater hyperpigmentation rates compared with other therapies. Our results are, however, based on low-quality evidence. Future studies using uniform outcome measures and validated metrics are warranted for study comparability. Based on this systematic review, clinicians and patients should be aware of the limited evidence about the available options when making (shared) treatment decisions for capillary malformations.

Trial Registration

Review registration number PROSPERO database: CRD42020199445.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40257-021-00616-5.

Does interval time between pulsed dye laser treatments for port-wine stains influence outcome? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the standard treatment for port-wine stains (PWS). Maximal improvement occurs after multiple treatment sessions; however, the optimal treatment interval has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to review whether there is an association between PDL treatment interval and outcome of PWS. Six databases were searched by three reviewers for publications investigating treatment of PWS with PDL. The 75% improvement rates (75IR) were extracted for quantitative analysis. Meta-regression was used to investigate the association between treatment intervals and 75IR. The systematic review included 1 RCT and 33 cohort studies (7 prospective cohorts and 26 retrospective cohorts), with a total of 3777 patients. The pooled 75IR was 37% (95% CI 29-45%; I² = 95%). Light Fitzpatrick skin type (p = 0.04), facial anatomic location (p = 0.01), and young age (p = 0.008) were associated with 75IR. In an unadjusted (p = 0.42) and multivariable adjusted (p = 0.98) meta-regression, no association was found between time interval between treatments and 75IR. These results persisted in a sensitivity analysis of studies with a mean patient age of ≤ 1. The majority of included studies were heterogeneous and retrospective. Based on cohort studies of low-to-moderate quality, time intervals between PDL treatments are not associated with PWS outcome.

Clinical outcome measures and scoring systems used in prospective studies of port wine stains: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Valid and reliable outcome measures are needed to determine and compare treatment results of port wine stain (PWS) studies. Besides, uniformity in outcome measures is crucial to enable inter-study comparisons and meta-analyses. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneity in reported PWS outcome measures by mapping the (clinical) outcome measures currently used in prospective PWS studies.

METHODS

OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for prospective PWS studies published from 2005 to May 2020. Interventional studies with a clinical efficacy assessment were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated methodological quality using a modified Downs and Black checklist.

RESULTS

In total, 85 studies comprising 3,310 patients were included in which 94 clinician/observer-reported clinical efficacy assessments had been performed using 46 different scoring systems. Eighty-one- studies employed a global assessment of PWS appearance/improvement, of which -82% was expressed as percentage improvement and categorized in 26 different scoring systems. A wide variety of other global and multi-item scoring systems was identified. As a result of outcome heterogeneity and insufficient data reporting, only 44% of studies could be directly compared. A minority of studies included patient-reported or objective outcomes. Thirteen studies of good quality were found.

CONCLUSION

Clinical PWS outcomes are highly heterogeneous, which hampers study comparisons and meta-analyses. Consensus-based development of a core outcome-set would benefit future research and clinical practice, especially considering the lack of high-quality trials.

Port wine stain treatment outcomes have not improved over the past three decades

BACKGROUND

Since the early '80s, the pulsed dye laser has been the standard treatment tool for non-invasive port wine stain (PWS) removal. In the last three decades, a considerable amount of research has been conducted to improve clinical outcomes, given that a fraction of PWS patients proved recalcitrant to laser treatment. Whether this research actually led to increased therapeutic efficacy has not been systematically investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse therapeutic efficacy in PWS patients globally from 1986 to date.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for all available PWS trials. Studies with a quartile percentage improvement scale were included, analysed and plotted chronologically. Treatment and patient characteristics were extracted. A mean clearance per study was calculated and plotted. A 5-study simple moving average was co-plotted to portray the trend in mean clearance over time. The data were separately analysed for multiple treatment sessions in previously untreated patients.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included (24.3% of eligible studies) comprising 6207 PWS patients. Of all patients, 21% achieved 75-100% clearance. Although a few studies reported remarkably good outcomes in a subset of carefully selected patients, there was no upward trend over time in mean clearance.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of PWS therapy has not improved in the past decades, despite numerous technical innovations and pharmacological interventions. With an unwavering patient demand for better outcomes, the need for development and implementation of novel therapeutic strategies to clear all PWS is as valid today as it was 30 years ago.

Treatment of port-wine stains with flash lamp pumped pulsed dye laser on Indian skin: a six year study

Context:

Port-wine stain (PWS) is one of the commonly encountered congenital cutaneous vascular lesions, with an equal sex distribution. Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) have revolutionized the treatment of both congential and acquired cutaneous vascular lesions. The pulsed dye lasers owing to its superior efficacy and safety profile have become the gold standard for the management of port-wine stains.

Aims:

To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of pulsed dye laser for the management of Port-wine stain on Indian skin.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy five patients of Fitzpatrick skin types IV&V with PWS underwent multiple treatments with PDL (V beam-Candela) over a period of six years at monthly intervals. Laser parameters were wavelength 595nm, spot sizes 7-10mm, fluence 6-12 j/cm2, pulse duration 0.45-10ms, along with cryogen cooling. Serial photographs were taken before and after every session. Clinical improvement scores of comparable photographs using a quartile grading (o=<20%, 1=21-40%, 2=41-60%, 3=61-80%, 4=>80%) were judged independently by two dermatologists after the series of treatment. Minimum number of treatments was 6 and maximum 17. They were followed up at six monthly intervals to observe re darkening of PWS.

Results:

No patient showed total clearance.Grade3 improvement was observed in 70 % of children and 50% of adults after 8-10 sessions. Children showed better and faster response than adults. Thirty percent of patients developed post inflammatory hyper pigmentation which resolved over a period of six to eight weeks. Two patients had superficial scarring due to stacking of pulses. None of the patients showed re darkening of PWS till now.

Conclusion:

Pulsed dye laser is an effective and safe treatment for port-wine stain in Indian skin.

An overview of clinical and experimental treatment modalities for port wine stains

Port wine stains (PWS) are the most common vascular malformation of the skin, occurring in 0.3% to 0.5% of the population. Noninvasive laser irradiation with flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye lasers (selective photothermolysis) currently comprises the gold standard treatment of PWS; however, the majority of PWS fail to clear completely after selective photothermolysis. In this review, the clinically used PWS treatment modalities (pulsed dye lasers, alexandrite lasers, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers, and intense pulsed light) and techniques (combination approaches, multiple passes, and epidermal cooling) are discussed. Retrospective analysis of clinical studies published between 1990 and 2011 was performed to determine therapeutic efficacies for each clinically used modality/technique. In addition, factors that have resulted in the high degree of therapeutic recalcitrance are identified, and emerging experimental treatment strategies are addressed, including the use of photodynamic therapy, immunomodulators, angiogenesis inhibitors, hypobaric pressure, and site-specific pharmaco-laser therapy.

An overview of three promising mechanical, optical, and biochemical engineering approaches to improve selective photothermolysis of refractory port wine stains

During the last three decades, several laser systems, ancillary technologies, and treatment modalities have been developed for the treatment of port wine stains (PWSs). However, approximately half of the PWS patient population responds suboptimally to laser treatment. Consequently, novel treatment modalities and therapeutic techniques/strategies are required to improve PWS treatment efficacy. This overview therefore focuses on three distinct experimental approaches for the optimization of PWS laser treatment. The approaches are addressed from the perspective of mechanical engineering (the use of local hypobaric pressure to induce vasodilation in the laser-irradiated dermal microcirculation), optical engineering (laser-speckle imaging of post-treatment flow in laser-treated PWS skin), and biochemical engineering (light- and heat-activatable liposomal drug delivery systems to enhance the extent of post-irradiation vascular occlusion).