Outcomes of childhood hemangiomas treated with the pulsed-dye laser with dynamic cooling: a retrospective chart analysis.
BACKGROUND
Laser treatment of childhood hemangiomas remains controversial. Previous studies have used outdated technology, resulting in a potential overrepresentation of adverse outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate outcomes of hemangiomas treated with the most current laser technology.


METHODS
A retrospective chart analysis of 90 patients with a median age of 3.0 months and a total of 105 hemangiomas were enrolled over a 2.5-year period. All were treated with the 595-nm long-pulse pulsed-dye laser (LP-PDL) with dynamic epidermal cooling at 2- to 8-week intervals depending on the stage of growth. Exclusion criteria were previous laser, surgical, or corticosteroid treatment. Three reviewers assessed outcomes.


RESULTS
Near-complete or complete clearance in color were achieved for 85 (81%) and in thickness for 67 (64%) hemangiomas. There was no scarring or atrophy. Ulceration occurred in one case and resolved during treatment. Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation occurred in 4% and 14% of hemangiomas, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Early treatment of childhood hemangiomas with the 595-nm LP-PDL with dynamic cooling may reduce the proliferative phase and result in excellent rates of clearing and few adverse events.
Rizzo
Carina
C
New York University Skin and Cancer Unit, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Brightman
Lori
L
Chapas
Anne M
AM
Hale
Elizabeth K
EK
Cantatore-Francis
Julie L
JL
Bernstein
Leonard J
LJ
Geronemus
Roy G
RG
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D054025:Lasers, Dye; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome