Treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid using the 595-nm pulsed dye laser.
BACKGROUND
Despite the proven effectiveness of the 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in treating superficial infantile hemangiomas, many physicians are reluctant to treat such lesions involving the eyelid. OBJECTIVE To examine the safety and efficacy of the 595-nm PDL for the treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid.


METHODS
Records were reviewed for patients with superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid treated with 595-nm PDL. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were compared. Reviewers rated the degree of improvement of the hemangioma as excellent (76-100%), good (51-75%), moderate (26-50%), or poor (0-25%) and indicated whether the hemangioma was 100% clear. Side effects of scarring, atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation were assessed.


RESULTS
Twenty-two patients met the study criteria. Eight (36.4%) demonstrated complete clearance of their hemangioma, 17 (77.3%) received an improvement rating of excellent, and five (22.7%) received a rating of good. No scarring, atrophy, or hypopigmentation was noted. Two patients (9.1%) were noted to have hyperpigmentation in the treated area.


CONCLUSIONS
Early treatment with the 595-nm PDL can safely and effectively diminish proliferative growth and hasten resolution of superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid.
Hunzeker
Christopher M
CM
Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, NewYork, New York, USA.
Geronemus
Roy G
RG
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome