Topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid followed by 595-nm pulsed dye laser irradiation for the treatment of recalcitrant port-wine stains: a primary study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) followed by pulsed dye laser (PDL) irradiation for the treatment of recalcitrant port-wine stain (PWS).


METHODS
Thirty-five patients (19 females and 16 males) with recalcitrant PWS were treated with topical application of 20% ALA and then irradiated with a 595-nm PDL (energy density of 6.5-9.0 J/cm(2) and pulse duration of 6 or 10 ms) at 6-8 weeks intervals. Clinical improvement of lesions was evaluated by comparing photographs of lesions at baseline and 2 months after the last treatment.


RESULTS
Topical ALA spreading followed by irradiation with a 595-nm PDL improved PWS in 21 out of 35 patients who were previously recalcitrant to PDL treatment alone. Side effects were limited to transient erythema, vesicle formation, edema and mild purpura with no obvious subsequent scarring or undesirable pigment changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The topical application of ALA followed by irradiation with a 595-nm PDL is an effective and safe treatment for PWS recalcitrant to PDL therapy alone.
Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
Shengxiu
S
Liu
Chunjun
C
Yang
Sen
S
Yang
Zhongying
Z
Wang
Difeng
D
Luo
Xuejun
X
Zhang
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D019339:Port-Wine Stain / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid