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Complications following pulsed dye laser treatment of superficial hemangiomas

Patricia M Witman1, Annette M Wagner, Kathrin Scherer

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. witman.patricia@mayo.edu

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|February 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment for infantile hemangiomas can lead to serious complications. Early treatment of superficial facial hemangiomas with PDL may result in ulceration, scarring, and hemorrhage.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Laser Therapy

Background:

  • Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a common treatment for infantile hemangiomas.
  • Previous reports indicate PDL is generally safe and effective for superficial infantile hemangiomas.

Observation:

  • This study reviewed 12 infants with hemangiomas experiencing adverse outcomes after PDL treatment.
  • All patients were treated at a young age (5 days to 4 months) for superficial facial hemangiomas.

Findings:

  • Eleven patients received PDL at 585 nm (4.7-7 J/cm²) without dynamic cooling; one received 595 nm (7-12 J/cm²) with dynamic cooling.
  • Eight patients developed severe ulceration, pain, scarring, and one experienced life-threatening hemorrhage.
  • Four patients had permanent atrophic scarring without ulceration.

Implications:

  • PDL treatment for superficial infantile hemangiomas carries a risk of significant complications.
  • Careful patient selection and treatment parameters are crucial to minimize adverse effects like scarring and ulceration.
Abstract

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