Alexandrite laser safe, effective for port wine stains

(HealthDay)—Alexandrite (Alex) laser at 3 ms pulse duration is safe and effective for port wine stains (PWS), according to a study published online April 28 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Berit C. Carlsen, M.D., Ph.D., from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues assessed clinical PWS clearance and the safety of Alex laser at a range of pulse durations in 16 individuals (14 previously pulse dye laser-treated) with deep red (four patients), purple macular (five), and purple hypertrophic (seven) PWS. Three test areas were randomized to Alex laser at pulse durations of 3, 5, or 10 ms (8 mm spot, DCD 60/40), while the fourth was untreated. Standardized clinical photographs (taken prior to, immediately after laser exposure and at 68 weeks follow up) were used to assess clinical PWS clearance.

The researchers found that Alex laser at 3, 5, and 10 ms pulse durations demonstrated significant clearance compared to untreated controls (P < 0.001). A pulse duration of 3 ms exhibited improved clearance versus 5 ms (P = 0.016) and 10 ms (P = 0.004), which were similar (P = 0.063). Purple hypertrophic PWS were more likely to be good responders (>50 percent clearance), compared to purple macular and deep red lesions. Hypopigmented atrophic scarring was seen in 17 percent of laser-exposed test areas. Overall cosmetic appearance was either superior or comparable with 3 ms.

"Treatment should be restricted to experienced personnel due to a particularly narrow therapeutic window," the authors write.

Syneron-Candela provided the laser equipment for the study.

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