Treatment of Infantile Haemangiomas with 585nm pulsed dye laser
- Author:
Sabeera BKI
;
Mardziah A
;
Gangaram HB
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Infantile haemangiomas, 585 nm Pulse dye laser
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2010;25(-):15-20
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Haemangiomas usually develop within the first few weeks of life, most regressing spontaneously
before the age of 7 to 10 years. Some may ulcerate or compromise a vital function, in which case
systemic corticosteroids, surgery or radiotherapy may be helpful. All of these treatment modalities
are associated with significant morbidity. Treatment with 585nm flashlamp pulsed dye laser is safe
and effective in the management of ulcerated and superficial proliferating haemangiomas. We report
a retrospective review of 33 children under the age 12 months, who were treated at our centre with
585nm pulsed dye laser over a period of 4 years. Forty eight percent of these children presented with
rapidly proliferating haemangiomas causing functional impairment, 40% with ulcerated
haemangiomas and others for re-growth after stopping oral treatment. Patients were treated with the
585nm pulsed dye laser (fluence: 5.5-7J/cm2; spot size: 7mm and duration: 0.45s). Patients received
treatment until the lesion was almost clear or until lesion failed to respond. All lesions ulcerated
haemangiomas healed after an average 3 treatment. Both the physician and parental perception of
improvement were analysed based on three parameters, which include reduction in redness,
thickness and size. All the haemangiomas showed significant reduction in size, thickness and colour.
Less than 1% of patients had atrophic scaring. We conclude that the flashlamp-pulsed dye laser may
successfully prevent enlargement and promote involution of superficial haemangiomas with minimal
adverse effect. Therapy is most appropriate for patients with ulcerated haemangiomas and
haemangiomas at sites of potential functional impairment.
