A randomized side-by-side study comparing alexandrite laser at different pulse durations for port wine stains

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) represents the gold-standard treatment for port wine stains (PWS). However, approximately 20% of patients are poor responders and yield unsatisfactory end-results. The Alexandrite (Alex) laser may be a therapeutic alternative for selected PWS subgroups, but optimal laser parameters are not known. The aim of this study was to assess clinical PWS clearance and safety of Alex laser at a range of pulse durations.

Sixteen individuals (14 previously PDL-treated) with deep red (n = 4), purple macular (n = 5) and purple hypertrophic (n = 7) PWS were included. Four side-by-side test areas were marked within each lesion. Three test areas were randomized to Alex laser at pulse durations of 3, 5, or 10 ms (8 mm spot, DCD 60/40), while the fourth was untreated. The lowest effective fluence to create purpura within the entire test spot was titrated and applied to intervention areas. Standardized clinical photographs were taken prior to, immediately after laser exposure and at 6-8 weeks follow up. Clinical PWS clearance and laser-related side effects were assessed using clinical photos.

Alex laser at 3, 5, and 10 ms pulse durations demonstrated significant clearance compared to untreated controls (P < 0.001). Three milli second pulse duration exhibited improved clearance versus 5 ms (P = 0.016) and 10 ms (P = 0.004), while no difference between five and 10 ms was shown (P = 0.063). Though not significant, good responders (>50% clearance) were more likely to have purple hypertrophic PWS (5/7) compared to purple macular (2/5) and deep red lesions (1/4). Eight laser-exposed test areas (17%) developed hypopigmented atrophic scarring. Side effects tended to be more frequently observed with 5 ms (n = 4) and 10 ms (n = 3) versus 3 ms pulse duration (n = 1). Correspondingly, 3 ms was associated with a superior (n = 6) or comparable (n = 10) overall cosmetic appearance for all individuals.

Alex laser at 3 ms pulse duration offers superior clinical clearance and safety compared to 5 and 10 ms, and seems best suited for purple hypertrophic PWS. Treatment should be restricted to experienced personnel due to a particularly narrow therapeutic window. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:97-103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.