Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm) in the treatment of port-wine stains - A retrospective study of 2 317 Chinese patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safty of 585 nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye lasers (PDL) in the treatment of port-wine stains (PWS). Methods: A retrospective review was performed in 2317 patients with PWS who visited the Dermatology Laser Centre of PUMC Hospital and accepted treatment with 585 nm PDL. The corralation between the treatment efficacy and the treatment sessions, lesion types, and usage of other therapies were analyzed. The adverse effects were also observed. Results: All the 2317 patients with PWS received 1-13 consecutive treatments with PDL at 2-3-month intervals. The median number of treatment was 4.93 and the median energy density was 8.29 J/cm2. The response rate after 8 treatments sessions were 84%. The response rate in patients whose lesions are characterized as purple plaques with proliferation and treated with isotope, CO2, cryotherapy, and other treatments was significantly lower than the total response rate (P < 0.05). Superficial scar, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation were found in 5.2%, 2.5%, and 4.0% of these patients, respectively. Conclusi on: 585 nm PDL is effective and safe in treating PWS.