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Kreuter A, Moinzadeh P, Kinberger M, Horneff G, Worm M, Werner RN, Hammacher A, Krieg T, Wenzel J, Oeschger M, Weibel L, Müllegger R, Hunzelmann N. S2k guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:605-620. [PMID: 38426689 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The updated S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma (LoS). LoS represents a spectrum of sclerotic skin diseases in which, depending on the subtype and localisation, structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may also be affected. Involvement of internal organs or progression to systemic sclerosis does not occur. LoS can be classified into four main forms: limited, generalized, linear, and mixed forms, with some additional subtypes. For cases of limited skin involvement, the guideline primarily recommends therapy with topical corticosteroids. UV therapy can also be recommended. In subtypes with severe skin or musculoskeletal involvement, systemic therapy with methotrexate is recommended. During the active phase of the disease, systemic glucocorticosteroids can be used additionally. In cases of methotrexate and steroid refractory courses, contraindications, or intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, or abatacept can be considered as second-line systemic therapies. In the case of linear LoS, autologous adipose-derived stem cell transplantation can also be performed for correcting soft tissue defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Helios St. Elisabeth Hospital Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Helios St. Johannes Hospital Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Pia Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Kinberger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Horneff
- Department of General Pediatrics, Asklepios Hospital, St. Augustin, Germany
| | - Margitta Worm
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricardo N Werner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Wenzel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Weibel
- University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Müllegger
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Landesklinikum Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Nicolas Hunzelmann
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Kreuter A, Moinzadeh P, Kinberger M, Horneff G, Worm M, Werner RN, Hammacher A, Krieg T, Wenzel J, Oeschger M, Weibel L, Müllegger R, Hunzelmann N. S2k‐Leitlinie: Diagnostik und Therapie der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:605-621. [PMID: 38574014 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15328_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie vorliegende aktualisierte S2k‐Leitlinie befasst sich mit der Diagnostik und der Therapie der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie (ZS). Diese umfasst ein Spektrum sklerotischer Erkrankungen der Haut mit, je nach Subtyp und Lokalisation, möglicher Beteiligung von hautnahen Strukturen wie Fettgewebe, Muskulatur, Gelenke und Knochen. Ein Befall innerer Organe oder ein Übergang in eine systemische Sklerodermie treten nicht auf. Eingeteilt werden kann die ZS in die vier Hauptformen der limitierten, generalisierten, linearen und gemischten Form. Teilweise existieren weitere Unterformen. Bei limitiertem Hautbefall empfiehlt die Leitlinie primär eine Therapie mit topischen Kortikosteroiden. Eine UV‐Therapie kann ebenfalls sinnvoll sein. Bei Subtypen mit schwerem Hautbefall oder muskuloskelettalem Befall wird eine systemische Therapie mit Methotrexat empfohlen. In der aktiven Phase der Erkrankung können ergänzend systemische Glukokortikosteroide eingesetzt werden. Bei MTX‐ und Steroid‐refraktären Verläufen, Kontraindikation oder Unverträglichkeit sollten Mycophenolat‐Mofetil, Mycophenolsäure oder Abatacept als Systemtherapie der zweiten Wahl eingesetzt werden. Bei einer linearen ZS kann zudem eine autologe Fettstammzelltransplantation zur Korrektur von Weichteildefekten erfolgen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kreuter
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Helios St. Elisabeth Hospital Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Deutschland
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Helios St. Johannes Hospital Duisburg, Duisburg, Deutschland
| | - Pia Moinzadeh
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Maria Kinberger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Gerd Horneff
- Allgemeine Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Asklepios Klinik St. Augustin, St. Augustin, Deutschland
| | - Margitta Worm
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ricardo N Werner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Thomas Krieg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Jörg Wenzel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
| | | | - Lisa Weibel
- Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
| | - Robert Müllegger
- Abteilung für Dermatologie und Venerologie am Landesklinikum Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Österreich
| | - Nicolas Hunzelmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland
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Guo Q, Cen J, He M, Huang D, Tang Z, Xiong H. Fractional erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser in the treatment of morphea mouse model. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:3282-3290. [PMID: 37326004 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficiency and the mechanism of fractional erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser for the treatment of morphea in mouse model. BACKGROUND Morphea is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition in skin. Fractional Er:YAG laser treatment is a promising treatment to improve morphea, despite limited studies about the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism. METHODS The mouse model of morphea was established by subcutaneously injecting with bleomycin (BLM). A total of 24 mice received fractional Er:YAG laser treatment once a week for 4 weeks. Objective measurement employed was ultrasonic imaging to measure dermal thickness. Subjective measures included scoring according to the adjusted Localized morphea Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT); hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to evaluate the histological grade of fibrosis; and quantitative morphometric studies to determine the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In this self-controlled study, fractional Er:YAG laser treatment significantly ameliorate the severity of morphea, including lower clinical score (p < 0.01), decreased dermal thickness (p < 0.001), declined histological grade of fibrosis (p < 0.001), increased MMP1 (p < 0.001), and reduced TGF-β1 (p < 0.01) expression. CONCLUSIONS We found that fractional Er:YAG laser treatment of morphea has good clinical, ultrasonic, and histopathologic efficacy, which may be a promising treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Cen
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie He
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danqi Huang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zengqi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Osborn LP, Nieman EL. Update on lasers in pediatric dermatology: how primary care providers can help patients and families navigate appropriate treatment options and timelines. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:436-444. [PMID: 37335276 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of lasers in pediatric dermatology is well established, but recent literature has expanded the evidence for specific timelines of treatment. Additionally, new devices and combinations with medical therapy have improved outcomes and treatment options for various conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Pulsed dye laser remains the first-line laser for vascular lesions. Recent guidelines support early initiation of laser treatment in port-wine birthmarks to optimize outcomes. For hemangiomas, laser treatment can offer a meaningful addition to oral propranolol therapy. Lasers with shorter wavelengths offer improved outcomes with decreased downtime for pigmented lesions. General anesthesia in the pediatric population continues to be a controversial topic, and the decision to perform laser under general versus topical anesthesia requires discussion with family of risks and benefits. SUMMARY Primary care providers can benefit their patients by prompt referral to dermatology for discussion of laser treatment. Port-wine birthmarks require referral in the first weeks of life so that laser treatment can be initiated if appropriate. Although many dermatologic conditions cannot be completely cleared or cured with laser, treatment can offer meaningful outcomes and benefit for patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P Osborn
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Romagnuolo M, Moltrasio C, Marzano AV, Nazzaro G, Muratori S, Recalcati S. Intramuscular Polydeoxyribonucleotides in Fibrotic and Atrophic Localized Scleroderma: An Explorative Prospective Cohort Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041190. [PMID: 37189808 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective options in the quiescent, scantily inflammatory phase of localized scleroderma (morphea) are lacking. A cohort study in patients with histologically confirmed fibroatrophic morphea explored the therapeutic value of the anti-dystrophic A2A adenosine agonist polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN, one daily 5.625 mg/3 mL ampoule for 90 days with a three-month follow-up). Primary efficacy endpoints: Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool mLoSSI and mLoSDI subscores for disease activity and damage in eighteen areas; Physicians Global Assessment for Activity (PGA-A) and Damage (PGA-D) VAS scores; skin echography. Secondary efficacy endpoints: mLoSSI, mLoSDI, PGA-A, PGA-D, and morphea areas (photographs) over time; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); skin biopsy scores and induration over time. Twenty-five patients enrolled; 20 completed the follow-up period. Highly significant improvements at the end of the 3-month treatment period: mLoSSI-73.7%, mLoSDI-43.9%, PGA-A-60.4%, PGA-D-40.3%, with further improvements at follow-up visit for all disease activity and damage indexes. Overall, the outcomes suggest that a daily PDRN ampoule intramuscularly for 90 days reduces disease activity and damage rapidly and significantly in quiescent, modestly inflammatory morphea with few currently therapeutic options. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns caused difficulties in enrollment, and some patients were lost to follow-up. Due to low final enrollment, the study outcomes may have only an exploratory value, yet they appear impressive. The anti-dystrophic potential of the PDRN A2A adenosine agonist deserves further in-depth exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Romagnuolo
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Nazzaro
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Muratori
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Papara C, De Luca DA, Bieber K, Vorobyev A, Ludwig RJ. Morphea: The 2023 update. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1108623. [PMID: 36860340 PMCID: PMC9969991 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1108623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorder with variable clinical presentations, that affects both adults and children. It is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and underlying soft tissue, in certain cases even of the surrounding structures such as fascia, muscle, bone and central nervous system. While the etiology is still unknown, many factors may contribute to disease development, including genetic predisposition, vascular dysregulation, TH1/TH2 imbalance with chemokines and cytokines associated with interferon-γ and profibrotic pathways as well as certain environmental factors. Since the disease may progress to permanent cosmetic and functional sequelae, it is crucial to properly assess the disease activity and to initiate promptly the adequate treatment, thus preventing subsequent damage. The mainstay of treatment is based on corticosteroids and methotrexate. These, however, are limited by their toxicity, especially if applied long-term. Furthermore, corticosteroids and methotrexate often do not sufficiently control the disease and/or the frequent relapses of morphea. This review presents the current understanding of morphea by discussing its epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis. In addition, it will describe recent pathogenetic findings, thus proposing potential novel targets for therapeutic development in morphea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Papara
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany,Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany,*Correspondence: Cristian Papara, ✉
| | - David A. De Luca
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Artem Vorobyev
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany,Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf J. Ludwig
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany,Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Ponomarenko GN. [High-intensity laser therapy in clinical medicine: scientometric analysis of evidence of effectiveness]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOI FIZICHESKOI KULTURY 2023; 100:18-26. [PMID: 36971668 DOI: 10.17116/kurort202310001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-intensity laser technologies are widely used in modern restorative medicine, and indications for their use are expanding annually. These technologies are effective, potentially safe methods of treating many diseases. with pronounced therapeutic effects. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH Analysis of scientific evidence of the effectiveness and safety of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with various diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS A comprehensive scientometric analysis of evidence-based studies of the effectiveness and safety of high-intensity laser therapy methods was carried out according to electronic databases (Google scholar, PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane DATABASE) for the period from 2006 to 2021. RESULTS High-intensity laser therapy has a wide range of significantly pronounced therapeutic effects. and it is an effective method of treating patients with various diseases. Various technologies and methods of its application are widely used in various fields of clinical medicine. Individually developed therapy protocols are needed, with optimal exposure parameters for each patient, intervals between procedures. CONCLUSION It is advisable to develop more reliable and standard evaluation criteria, regular generalization and analysis of existing evidence, careful planning and implementation of further large-scale randomized controlled trials to study the effects of high-intensity laser radiation both as a single effect and as part of combinations with other treatment methods. The effectiveness of combination therapy requires further analysis in the course of conducting new benign clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Ponomarenko
- Albrecht Federal Scientific Centre of Rehabilitation of the Disabled, St. Petersburg, Russia
- North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Wang Y, Song Y. Efficacy of Combined Treatment with Intense Pulsed Light and Erbium Fractional Laser in Striae Gravidarum. CLINICAL, COSMETIC AND INVESTIGATIONAL DERMATOLOGY 2022; 15:2817-2824. [PMID: 36569421 PMCID: PMC9783832 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s387970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are preferred over invasive procedures due to less pain. This study looked at the efficacy and safety of IPL and Erbium fractional laser for patients with striae gravidarum (SG). Patients and Methods All 60 patients with SG were successfully enrolled in the study. IPL treatment was followed by Erbium fractional laser (wavelength 2940 nm) treatment at 4-week intervals for a total of three treatments. SG elasticity was assessed with a SEM575 custom instrument and patients were scored for SG span with an Antera 3D multifunctional skin imaging analyzer. A 3D skin impact system was used to assess patients' epidermal thickness. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess patients' pain scores during the treatment period. Improvement in stretch marks was assessed with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The occurrence of adverse events was recorded at a follow-up of 3 months. Patient satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment was also recorded. Results Area of stretch marks decreased from 7.89 ± 0.49 cm2 pre-treatment to 4.94 ± 1.16 cm2 post-treatment (P < 0.001). The grayness values and atrophy of stretch marks were reduced after treatment. Furthermore, skin elasticity and thickness at the lesions of patients increased significantly after the treatment (P < 0.001), while the width of the stretch marks significantly decreased (P < 0.001). The VAS score was 5.45 ± 1.31, the incidence of adverse events was 25%, and patient satisfaction with the efficacy was 96.67%. Conclusion IPL combined with Erbium fractional laser improves the area and atrophy of SG, lightens the color, and increases the elasticity and thickness of the skin, with high treatment safety and remarkable clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yong Song, Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, No. 18, Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0591-87514834, Email
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Efficacy and Safety of Ablative Fractional Laser-Assisted Delivery of Methotrexate in Adults with Localized Scleroderma: A Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112261. [DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune disease with sclerosis of the skin as the main manifestation. Currently, there is no specific treatment for LS. The effectiveness of ablative fractional laser (AFL) therapy for LS has been demonstrated in several studies. Combining ablative fractional Er:YAG laser therapy with topical methotrexate may yield therapeutic benefits for patients with LS. To compare the efficacy and safety of AFL-assisted delivery of methotrexate in adults with LS, we randomly divided patients into an AFL therapy group and an ablative fractional laser-assisted delivery of methotrexate (AFL+MTX) therapy group. Laser and assisted drug delivery treatment were given every four weeks for four months, and 22 patients completed the trial. Ultrasound measurements of dermal thickness and histological fibrosis degree and the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT) score were used to assess therapeutic effects. Treatment results showed that both AFL and AFL-assisted methotrexate delivery were effective in treating LS, and the laser combined with methotrexate therapy was more effective in improving clinical appearance (p value = 0.042) and dermal thickness (p value = 0.016). No serious adverse reaction occurred in either group. In conclusion, AFL and assisted delivery of methotrexate are effective and safe treatments for LS.
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Klimek P, Placek W, Owczarczyk-Saczonek A. Fractional Ablative Carbon Dioxide Lasers for the Treatment of Morphea: A Case Series and Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138133. [PMID: 35805793 PMCID: PMC9266234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Morphea is an inflammatory, immune-mediated disease of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by excessive collagen deposition, which leads to the hardening of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The disease is associated with cosmetic and functional impairment, which can affect the patients’ quality of life. Fractional ablative lasers (FALs) are currently used for the treatment of many skin diseases that are connected to tissue fibrosis due to the low risk of side effects and their great effectiveness. This study aimed to improve the aesthetic defects that are caused by morphea lesions and assess the efficacy and safety of FAL use in this indication. We also reviewed the literature on the subject. We present four women with biopsy-proven morphea, manifesting as hyperpigmented plaques and patches. One of the patients additionally had morphea-related knee joint contracture. Four fractional CO2 laser sessions, separated by one-month intervals, were performed and produced significant improvements in dyspigmentation and induration. An improved elasticity and a decrease in dermal thickness were also obtained, as proven by measurements using DermaLab Combo. No severe adverse effects occurred. Based on these cases presented by the authors, fractional CO2 lasers appear to be an effective, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic option for patients suffering from morphea.
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