title: Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid with intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light for photodamage in Chinese patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has been suggested that the adjunctive use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with intense pulsed light (IPL), known as ALA-IPL photodynamic therapy (PDT), increases the benefits of IPL therapy for photoaging.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ALA-IPL PDT for photoaging in Chinese subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, controlled, split-face study with 26 subjects. Subjects received three split-face treatments 4 weeks apart. A blinded investigator assessed the signs of photodamage. Satisfaction was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four subjects completed the trial. Better results were achieved for global score, fine lines, and coarse wrinkles on the PDT/IPL treated side than on the IPL-only side at the final visit (50% vs 12.5%p=.005 for global score, 70.8% vs 33.3%p=.009 for fine lines, 50% vs. 12.5%, p=.005 for coarse wrinkles). Phototoxic reactions such as erythema and edema were the primary side effects, as well as an increase in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ALA-IPL PDT has superior rejuvenation effects over IPL alone in Chinese subjects. Taking reasonable precaution to prevent the postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is the most important point in making ALA-IPL PDT a successful therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Zhou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xi
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shuxian
authors.forename: Lu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.forename: Wang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Ding
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huilin
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Leihong
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Gold
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002681:China; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid