Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid with intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light for photodamage in Chinese patients.
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.
Xi
Zhou
Z
Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Shuxian
Yan
Y
Zhong
Lu
L
Hui
Qian
Q
Yan
Wang
W
Huilin
Ding
D
Leihong
Xiang
X
Gold
Michael H
MH
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
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid