Efficacy of the 1.5 millisecond pulse-duration, 585 nm, pulsed-dye laser for treating port-wine stains.
OBJECTIVE
Some reports have suggested that 1.5-millisecond pulse-duration pulsed-dye lasers (PDLs) may have increased efficacy in treating port-wine stains (PWSs) as compared to previous generation lasers. We study the efficacy of the 1.5-millisecond pulse-duration PDL for treating PWSs.


METHODS
We treated 104 areas of involvement by PWSs in 95 subjects with the 1.5-millisecond pulse-duration PDL. Subjective and objective measures of improvement were utilized. Twenty-one of these PWSs had failed treatment with earlier generation PDLs.


RESULTS
PWSs previously refractory to the shorter pulse duration lasers responded well to treatment, as did PWSs not previously treated with any laser.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1.5-millisecond pulse-duration PDL is effective for treating PWSs and may offer improved efficacy over shorter pulse-duration lasers.
Bernstein
Eric F
EF
Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA.
Brown
Douglas B
DB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D017679:Cryotherapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019339:Port-Wine Stain / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome