Effect of Pulse Width of a 595-nm Flashlamp-Pumped Pulsed Dye Laser on the Treatment Response of Keloidal and Hypertrophic Sternotomy Scars

BACKGROUND: Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) have successfully treated keloidal and hypertrophic scars. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effect of pulse width of a PDL in treating keloidal and hypertrophic scars. METHODS: On each of 19 patients, keloidal or hypertrophic median sternotomy scars were divided into two segments. Both segments on all patients were randomly treated with a 595-nm PDL at a fluence of 7 J/cm(2) and pulse widths of 0.45 and 40 ms to both segments, every 4 weeks for a total of three treatments. Scar volume, height, erythema, and pliability were measured at Weeks 0, 4, 8, and 24. RESULTS: The volume of segments treated with 0.45- and 40-ms pulses decreased significantly after two treatments. Segments treated with a 0.45-ms pulse width showed significantly greater improvement than those treated with 40-ms pulses after three treatments. Elasticity of 0.45-ms segments was significantly higher than those of 40-ms segments, following two treatments. Pulse width had no significant effect in improvement of scar erythema. CONCLUSIONS: A pulse width of 0.45 ms of PDL was more effective in decreasing scar size and improving scar pliability than that of 40 ms. A 595-nm PDL was safe and effective in treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids in dark-skinned individuals. This study was supported in part by an educational grant from the Dermatological Society of Thailand.     

Long-Term Results with a Multiple Synchronized-Pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Leg Venulectasias and Reticular Veins

BACKGROUND: The long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser has been shown to be effective in the treatment of blue venulectasias and reticular veins. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the clinical efficacy and long-term follow-up (12 months) of patients treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser technology. METHODS: Twenty-five female patients (mean age 37.6 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II-V) were treated with up to three treatment sessions at 6-week intervals on a 5 cm2 surface area of vessels utilizing the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a circulating cooling device. Treatment parameters were vessel size 0.2-2.0 mm treated with a double pulse of 7 msec at 120 J/cm2 and vessel size 2.0-4.0 mm treated with a single pulse of 14 msec, fluence 130 J/cm2, with a spot size of 6 mm. Improvement was judged by double-blinded observer evaluation, macrophotographic imaging, optical chromatography, and a patient evaluation scale. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of patients treated in the present study achieved 75% or greater clearing of vessels after a maximum of three treatment sessions. Optical chromatography revealed statistically significant decreased chromophore intensity (mean blueness reduction index of 41.2b-). Sixty-four percent of patients were greatly satisfied with the results of the laser treatment. Two patients manifested vessel recurrence when examined at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can produce effective long-term photosclerosis of blue venulectasia and reticular veins. The potential for recurrence should be recognized by the vascular laser surgeon.     

Treatment of Trichostasis Spinulosa in Skin Phototypes III, IV, and V With an 800-nm Pulsed Diode Laser

BACKGROUND. : Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common follicular disorder that results from the retention of multiple vellus hairs within pilosebaceous follicles. A variety of treatment modalities have been used with variable but largely transient success. OBJECTIVES. : To determine whether a pulsed diode laser irradiation would provide a therapeutic response to TS for a prolonged period. METHODS. : Thirteen subjects with untreated TS and skin phototypes III, IV, and V were treated with a 800-nm pulsed diode laser at fluences ranging from 24 to 40 J/cm2 (mean, 36 J/cm2) and a 12- to 20-ms (mean 18 ms) pulse width. Two treatments were delivered at 4-week intervals. Evaluation of improvement was performed at 4 and 20 weeks after the last treatment by a blinded assessment of clinical photographs. RESULTS. : Complete clearing of the lesions was achieved for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. A decrease in dark-plug appearance of greater than 50% was noted in half of the subjects 20 weeks after the second treatment. No pigmentary changes and scarring occurred in any subjects. CONCLUSION. : Pulsed diode laser proved to be a safe and long-term effective treatment for TS in dark-skinned individuals.     

静脉腔内激光和传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的近期疗效比较

目的比较静脉腔内激光治疗和传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的近期疗效,探讨静脉腔内激光治疗的适应证,总结下肢静脉曲张激光腔内闭合技术的操作技巧和临床价值。方法对275例350条肢体行静脉腔内激光治疗(静脉腔内激光治疗组)和210例310条肢体行传统手术(传统手术组)的下肢静脉曲张患者的临床资料进行分析,比较2组的手术时间、切口数量、术后疼痛、并发症、术后住院时间、1年复发率6项指标的情况。结果静脉腔内激光治疗组在手术时间、切口数量、术后疼痛及术后住院时间4项指标明显优于传统手术组(P0.05),而手术并发症发生情况和1年复发率与传统手术组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论静脉腔内激光治疗是一种安全、有效及无疤痕的微创治疗下肢静脉曲张的新方法,有望替代传统手术应用于下肢静脉曲张的治疗,并且其扩大了传统手术的适应证。     

中重度痤疮1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗后相关症状和审美评价的影响因素分析

目的:分析中重度痤疮1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗后患者出现相关症状(瘢痕遗留、色素沉着、局部红斑)的影响因素,了解人群中对中重度痤疮1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗后影响审美评价的相关因素。方法:回顾性分析在笔者医院皮肤科应用1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗的89例中重度痤疮患者的临床资料。选取100名外貌正常,具备完整审美能力的普通人作为评价者,根据李克特量表对患者形象进行评分。采用单因素分析和多元Logistic回归模型分析中重度痤疮激光治疗后相关症状和审美评价的影响因素。结果:单因素分析显示,年龄、性别、BMI、吸烟、皮肤类型、初发年龄、病程、发病部位、家族史、伴发病、蠕形螨、尘螨SPT、瘢痕体质均是中重度痤疮激光治疗后相关临床症状的影响因素(P<0.05)。评价者年龄、学历,患者年龄、BMI、皮肤类型、发病部位、瘢痕厚度和瘢痕柔软度是审美评价的影响因素(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic分析显示,性别、家族史、伴发病、蠕形螨及尘螨SPT是中重度痤疮激光治疗后相关症状的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。评价者年龄、患者BMI、皮肤类型和发病部位均是审美评价的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。结论:中重度痤疮1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗后相关症状与性别、家族史、伴发病、蠕形螨及尘螨SPT有关。中重度痤疮1064nm波长可调脉宽Nd∶YAG激光治疗后的审美评价与评价者年龄,患者BMI、皮肤类型和发病部位有关。     

Treatment of Facial Rhytides With a Nonablative 1,450-nm Diode Laser: A Controlled Clinical and Histologic Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a nonablative 1,450-nm midinfrared diode laser in the treatment of facial rhytides. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (skin phototypes I-III) with mild-to-moderate perioral or periorbital rhytides received four successive treatments at 3- to 4-week intervals with a 1,450-nm diode laser (SmoothBeam; Candela Corp., Wayland, MA). Symmetrical matched areas were left untreated to serve as controls. Patients were evaluated with digital photography at each treatment session and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the final laser treatment. Skin biopsies were obtained from treatment and control facial sites for histologic evaluation before treatment, immediately after the first treatment, and 3, 6, and 12 months after the fourth treatment. Patient satisfaction scores were obtained at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Mild to moderate improvement in treated facial rhytides was observed in all patients. Increased dermal collagen was seen 6 months after four successive treatments. Patient satisfaction scores paralleled the photographic and histopathologic changes seen. Side effects were limited to transient erythema, edema, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: The nonablative 1,450-nm diode laser is safe and effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate facial rhytides.     

腔内激光与腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张的比较研究

目的探讨腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效和安全性。方法 2010年7月～2011年10月将120例下肢静脉曲张按就诊顺序编号,每10例为一分配单元,1～10号为单纯激光组,11～20号为联合治疗组,以此类推,每组60例。单纯激光组:大隐静脉高位结扎后,用980 nm波长半导体激光腔内治疗大隐静脉主干、大隐静脉属支及曲张的静脉团;联合治疗组:大隐静脉高位结扎后,用980 nm波长半导体激光腔内激光治疗大隐静脉主干,泡沫硬化剂5 ml(1 ml聚桂醇注射液及4 ml空气经三通器混合制成5 ml泡沫硬化剂,现用现配)静脉注射治疗属支静脉及静脉团。结果所有患者随访6～12个月,平均9个月。单纯激光组痊愈56例,显效4例,总有效率100%;联合治疗组痊愈58例,显效2例,总有效率100%,2组疗效比较差异无显著性(Z=-0.834,P=0.404)。2组术后复发率无统计学差异[6.7%(4/60)vs.3.3%(2/60),χ2=0.175,P=0.675]。腔内激光组并发症发生率为35.0%(21/60),联合治疗组并发症发生率为3.3%(2/60),2组比较差异有显著性(χ2=19.417,P=0.000)。结论与单纯腔内激光治疗比较,腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张并发症少,疗效无差别。     

Nonablative Dermal Remodeling With a 585-nm, 350-μsec, Flashlamp Pulsed Dye Laser: Clinical and Ultrastructural Analysis

BACKGROUND.   A nonablative 350-μsec, 585-nm, flashlamp pulsed dye laser is currently being used for the treatment of rhytides.
OBJECTIVE.   To analyze both clinical rhytid improvement and electron microscopic evidence of ultrastructural changes after treatment with a nonablative 350-μsec, 585-nm, flashlamp pulsed dye laser.
RESULTS.   At 6 months after two treatments, 40% of the treated subjects noted mild improvement in rhytid appearance. Nontreating physician evaluation revealed some degree of improvement in 50% of the treated subjects. Mild improvement in quality and texture of the skin was also reported by 50% of the subjects. Electron microscopic evaluation showed ultrastructural changes that are consistent with new collagen formation.
CONCLUSION.   Treatment with a nonablative 350-μsec, 585-nm, flashlamp pulsed dye laser can lead to both clinical and electron microscopic evidence of improvement in photo-damaged skin.     

The Utilization of a New Yellow Light Laser (578 nm) for the Treatment of Class I Red Telangiectasia of the Lower Extremities

BACKGROUND: A dual-wavelength approach is necessary in order to achieve consistent results when utilizing lasers and intense pulsed light sources to treat red and blue lower extremity vessels. In this regard, short-wavelength technologies (500-800 nm) may be employed to treat red telangiectasia of less than 2 mm on the lower extremities. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a new yellow light laser utilizing a copper bromide medium and its potential efficacy in the treatment of red lower extremity telangiectasia of less than 2 mm. METHODS: Forty-six women (mean age 37 years) were treated in two private practice settings with a 578 nm yellow light laser with a circulating cooling window (1-4 degrees C). Class I red telangiectases of the thighs 1.5 mm or less in diameter were considered for treatment. Patients were treated with up to three treatments at 6-week intervals on a 5 cm2 surgical area of vessels utilizing a fluence of 50-55 J/cm2. Results were analyzed by macrophotographic imaging, double-blinded observer evaluation/optical chromatography, and a patient evaluation scale. RESULTS: An average of 1.7 patient treatment sessions produced significant clearing of 75-100% in 71.8% of patients. The mean erythema index showed significant lightening (51-65a+) in the study population. Finally, 76.1% of patients reported great satisfaction with the results of their treatment session. CONCLUSION: A new 578 nm copper bromide (CuBr) yellow light laser produces excellent results in eradicating red telangiectases of the lower extremities that are less than 2 mm in diameter.     

Prior Exposure to Interpersonal Violence and Long‐Term Treatment Response for Boys With a Disruptive Behavior Disorder

Interpersonal violence (IPV) is common in children with a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and increases the risk for greater DBD symptom severity, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and neuroendocrine disruption. Thus, IPV may make it difficult to change symptom trajectories for families receiving DBD interventions given these relationships. The current study examined whether IPV prior to receiving treatment for a DBD predicted trajectories of a variety of associated outcomes, specifically DBD symptoms, CU traits, and cortisol concentrations. Boys with a DBD diagnosis (N = 66; age range = 6–11 years; 54.5% of whom experienced IPV prior to treatment) of either oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder participated in a randomized clinical trial and were assessed 3 years following treatment. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that prior IPV predicted smaller rates of change in DBD symptoms, CU traits, and cortisol trajectories, indicating less benefit from intervention. The effect size magnitudes of IPV were large for each outcome (d = 0.88–1.07). These results suggest that IPV is a predictor of the long‐term treatment response for boys with a DBD. Including trauma‐focused components into existing DBD interventions may be worth testing to improve treatment effectiveness for boys with a prior history of IPV.     

Femoral Head and Neck Fenestration Through a Direct Anterior Approach Combined With Compacted Autograft for the Treatment of Early Stage Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of femoral head and neck fenestration combined with compacted autograft (light bulb procedure) through a direct anterior approach for early stage nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating 66 hips undergoing the light bulb procedure through the direct anterior approach (light bulb group) and 59 hips undergoing traditional core decompression (control group). Visual analog scale pain scores and range of hip motion were evaluated before discharge to assess the quality of functional recovery. Follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually after surgery until 4 years. The clinical effectiveness was evaluated by Harris hip score and the University of California Los Angeles activity-level score. Patients were followed up with postoperative X-ray and computed tomography. Survival was compared between the 2 groups by radiographic progression and receiving total hip arthroplasty.ResultsThere was no significant difference in quality of functional recovery between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes within 1 year after surgery. Patients in the light bulb group had significantly better Harris hip scores and University of California Los Angeles activity-level scores from 2 years after surgery to the end of follow-up. During the 4-year follow-up, significantly fewer patients in light bulb group had radiographic progression (22.7% vs 44.1%) or received total hip arthroplasty (15.2% vs 30.5%).ConclusionsThe light bulb procedure through a direct anterior approach offers significantly better results for the treatment of early stage nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head compared with traditional core decompression.     

180-W XPS GreenLight Laser Vaporisation Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: 6-Month Safety and Efficacy Results of a European Multicentre Randomised Trial—The GOLIATH Study

Background

The comparative outcome with GreenLight (GL) photoselective vaporisation of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) has been questioned.

Objective

The primary objective of the GOLIATH study was to evaluate the noninferiority of 180-W GL XPS (XPS) to TURP for International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum flow rate (Q_max) at 6 mo and the proportion of patients who were complication free.

Design, setting, and participants

Prospective randomised controlled trial at 29 centres in 9 European countries involving 281 patients with BPO.

Intervention

180-W GL XPS system or TURP.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Measurements used were IPSS, Q_max, prostate volume (PV), postvoid residual (PVR) and complications, perioperative parameters, and reintervention rates. Noninferiority was evaluated using one-sided tests at the 2.5% level of significance. The statistical significance of other comparisons was assessed at the (two-sided) 5% level.

Results and limitations

The study demonstrated the noninferiority of XPS to TURP for IPSS, Q_max, and complication-free proportion. PV and PVR were comparable between groups. Time until stable health status, length of catheterisation, and length of hospital stay were superior with XPS (p < 0.001). Early reintervention rate within 30 d was three times higher after TURP (p = 0.025); however, the overall postoperative reintervention rates were not significantly different between treatment arms. A limitation was the short follow-up.

Conclusions

XPS was shown to be noninferior (comparable) to TURP in terms of IPSS, Q_max, and proportion of patients free of complications. XPS results in a lower rate of early reinterventions but has a similar rate after 6 mo.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01218672.