Study of patient-reported morbidity following V-beam pulsed-dye laser treatment of port wine stains

Abstract

The V-beam pulsed-dye laser (PDL) (595 nm) has gained popularity in the treatment of port wine stains (PWS). It uses longer pulse durations than the standard flashlamp-pumped pulsed-dye laser (FPDL) (585 nm) and has an in-built cooling system to protect the epidermis. This should, theoretically, reduce the treatment-associated side effects, including discomfort. The aim of this questionnaire-based study was to confirm the clinical impression that V-beam PDL is well tolerated. The results were compared with a historical group of 62 PWS patients treated with FPDL. Fifty-one patients took part in the current study. Only 35.7% (vs. 81% in the historical comparison group) required topical anaesthetic prior to laser treatment. A shortening in the duration of bruising (8 vs. 10 days) and of symptoms such as burning and tightness (3 vs. 10 days) was recorded. Lifestyle change after treatment was recorded by fewer patients (39 vs. 57%). We conclude that V-beam PDL is better tolerated than FPDL when used at therapeutic levels in patients with PWS.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Pulsed-Dye Laser Therapy Among Thai Patients with Facial Port-Wine Stain: A Retrospective Study and Economic Evaluation

“…At present, PDL is the treatment of choice owing to its clinical efficacy [14]. This laser utilizes the principle of selective photothermolysis to injure the ectatic dermal capillaries, thus reducing the redness and flattening of the lesion [15]. The most successful responses to PDL were seen in young patients (less than 1 year old) with small PWS (less than 20 cm 2 ) located over the bony areas of the face, such as the central forehead [16].…”

Quality of Life and Psychological Effects of Port-Wine Stain: A Review of Literature

“… 8 It utilizes the principle of selective photothermolysis to injure the ectatic dermal capillaries, thereby reducing the redness and flattening the lesion. 9 Aside from PDL, other treatment modalities include topical antiangiogenic agents and other lasers, such as intense pulse light (IPL), small and large spot 532 nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser, 1064 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and Alexandrite 755 nm laser. 10 , 11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a safe and effective treatment for facial PWS in children.…”