REPETITIVE PULSED DYE-LASER TREATMENTS IMPROVE PERSISTENT PORT-WINE STAINS

BACKGROUND. Approximately 50-75% lightening of port-wine stains is achieved within two to three treatments with pulsed dye laser therapy, but the incidence of complete clearing is variable. OBJECTIVE. This study was designed to: 1) assess the ability of continued repetitive pulsed dye laser treatments to further lighten persistent port-wine stains; 2) evaluate the factors contributing to the resistance of port-wine stains to laser therapy; and 3) determine the relative risk of adverse effects following repetitive treatments to the same area. METHODS. A retrospective photographic analysis was performed of 69 patients that failed to achieve greater than 75% lesional lightening within nine treatment sessions. The percentage improvement was assessed by comparing the degree of lightening at the last treatment to that of the midway point of treatment. RESULTS. Significant improvement in port-wine stain lightening, from the midway to last treatment, was seen in patients who had 10-25 repetitive treatments. CONCLUSION. Repetitive treatments with the pulsed dye laser can lead to improvement in the overall lightening of persistent port-wine stains without an increased risk of adverse effects.