Fractional CO2 -laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split-face trial.

BACKGROUND: Ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) is an established first-line energy-based treatment for acne scars. Microneedle radiofrequency (MNRF) is an emerging treatment, also targeting the skin in fractions. No studies have so far compared AFL with MNRF for acne scars in a direct controlled, side-by-side comparison. In this study, we compared AFL and MNRF treatments for acne scars in a randomized split-face trial with blinded response evaluation, objective measures, and patient-reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifteen patients with moderate to severe acne scars were included. At baseline each patient had two similar test areas identified, these were randomized to receive a single treatment with either AFL or MNRF. Standardized multilayer techniques were applied with AFL and MNRF, first targeting the scar base, thereafter the entire scar area. Outcome measures included blinded evaluation of clinical improvement of scar texture (0-10 scale) at 1- and 3-months follow-up, local skin reactions (LSR), pain according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), skin integrity quantified by transepidermal water loss, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifteen patients completed the study with a median test area size of 24.6 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 14.9-40.6). A single treatment with AFL or MNRF equally resulted in a median 1-point texture improvement after 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001). Best responders achieved up to a 3-point improvement (n = 3 test areas, 10% of treatment areas). Erythema and loss of skin integrity was more intense after AFL compared with MNRF after 2-4 days (p < 0.001). Patients reported MNRF (VAS 7.0) to be significantly more painful than AFL (5.5) (p = 0.009). Patients were generally satisfied with the overall outcome on a 10-point scale at median 6 for both treatments (IQR 5-7). CONCLUSION: AFL and MNRF treatments are equally effective at improving texture in skin with acne scars. AFL resulted in more pronounced LSRs whereas MNRF was more painful. Patients were generally satisfied with the overall outcome.

Generic outcome set for the international registry on Laser trEAtments in Dermatology (LEAD): a protocol for a Delphi study to achieve consensus on what to measure.

INTRODUCTION: While laser technology has expanded the armamentarium of treatment for various skin diseases during the past years, heterogeneity in study outcomes hampers comparability and appropriate evidence synthesis. Part of these issues can be addressed by developing a generic outcome set. Using the Delphi method, this study aims to seek consensus between key stakeholders on relevant generic outcomes (what to measure) for implementation in the international registry on Laser trEAtments in Dermatology (LEAD). The registry is focused on collecting research data on various laser treatments for skin disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: By reviewing the literature and involvement of key stakeholder groups and adult patients in need or after laser surgery and health professionals, a preliminary list of outcomes will be generated and categorised into domains. Using these outcomes, an international three-round Delphi study will be performed to rate the importance of outcomes in the selection of a generic outcome set. Participants are allowed to provide new outcomes to the preliminary list for revisions during the first Delphi round. Finally, results will be discussed during a consensus meeting to agree on generic outcomes to be used in the LEAD registry. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: An ethics approval was not applicable (W19_290 # 18.336). The study is registered with the Cochrane Skin Core OUtcome Set INitiative) and the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative. Procedures will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

[Classification of vascular anomalies].

The classification of vascular anomalies has been revised, as physicians and researchers have recognised an increasing number of vascular anomalies. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies presents a classification distinguishing between tumours and malformations. Over the years, an inaccurate application of the term haemangioma has been used, which has led to confusion among physicians. By using the classification and combining it with a thorough history and objective examination a classification of the most common vascular anomalies should be possible.

Outcome Measures After Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Sclerotherapy has become an important treatment option in the management of vascular malformations. However, little is known about success rate for treatment of venous malformations. This systematic review assesses the available published literature on outcome measures of sclerotherapy for venous malformations. DATA SOURCE: PubMed and EMBASE. REVIEW METHOD: A systematic search was conducted, and studies from March 2008 to October 2016 were included. Based on the identified search results, study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality were, according to PRISMA, undertaken independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: One randomized controlled trial and 44 cohort studies were included. The most frequently used measuring methods were subjective measurements, objective measurements, imaging like MRI and ultrasound, and finally patient reported outcome measure survey. Approximately 60% of the studies used more than one measuring method. Outcome measures were pain, swelling, disfigurement, cosmetic complains, patient satisfaction, physical difficulties, volume, diameter, mass, color, shape, size, venous flow, occlusion of venous space, blood pool ratio, and radioisotope uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The published literature over the past 10 years shows no clear method to evaluate the effect of sclerotherapy for venous malformation. We suggest that a standard set of outcome measures should be defined.

[Dermatologic laser surgery].

In this article we give an overview of which skin conditions that are currently treated with laser and explains the basic principles of treatment. In addition, we summarize recommendations of the Danish Dermatological Society for demarcation of medical treatments which can be provided free of charge from cosmetic self-payment treatments.

Large eccrine angiomatous hamartoma: a novel clinical presentation of disease.

BACKGROUND: Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma is a rare benign cutaneous malformation with a diverse clinical appearance, therefore likely to be misdiagnosed and underreported. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: A 44-year-old man presented with a congenital erythematous hyperhidrotic plaque on the left upper back measuring 18 x 25 cm. No pain or tenderness nor hypertrichosis were observed. Histopathology was consistent with the mucinous variant of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma. Intralesional injection of botulinum toxin type A greatly reduced localized sweating, improving patient quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This article describes a novel clinical presentation of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma: large, erythematous, and slightly indurated plaque localized on the upper back. It emphasizes the role of histopathology in the diagnostic process and botulinum toxin as a viable treatment option.

Treatment of acne scars with fractional CO2 laser at 1-month versus 3-month intervals: an intra-individual randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acne scars with ablative fractional CO2 laser appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment. However, so far the influence of treatment interval has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether treatment of acne scars with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at 1-month interval achieves better results with no difference in the occurrence of adverse effects, than treatment given at 3-months interval. METHODS: Patients (n = 13) with symmetrical atrophic acne scars on right and left sides of the mid-face and lower-face were randomized to two fractional CO2 laser treatments at 1-month versus 3-month intervals. Blinded on-site evaluations were performed 1 and 6 months after the last treatment on 10-point scales. Endpoints were scar atrophy, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Pre-operatively, acne scars were moderately atrophic (5.86 ± 1.87). After treatment acne scars appeared with less atrophy on both treated sides 1 month postoperatively (1-month interval 1.96 ± 1.23, P < 0.0001; 3-months interval 1.82 ± 1.08, P = 0.0006) and 6 months postoperatively (1-month interval 1.56 ± 1.24, P = 0.0021; 3-months interval 1.33 ± 1.66, P = 0.0002). The treatment interval did not influence the improvement of scar atrophy at any time postoperatively (P = 0.81). Patients were moderately and equally satisfied with the treatment result on facial sides (P = 0.93). Postoperative adverse effects were minor and not influenced by the treatment interval. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing improves atrophic acne scars and a treatment interval of either 1-month or 3-months does not seem to influence the improvement of scar atrophy nor the occurrence of postoperative adverse effects.

[Large venous malformations increase the risk of thromboembolic complications]. / Store venøse malformationer øger risikoen for tromboemboliske komplikationer.

Venous malformations (VM) represent vascular developmental errors. They are low-flow lesions composed of ectatic vessels that histologically and morphologically are similar to veins. Episodic thromboses commonly occur in VM. Moreover, pulmonary emboli, sudden death and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have been described in children and adults with extensive VM. This article discusses the management and treatment of patients with extensive VM.

[Fatal Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome in a child with pulmonary embolism]. / Fatal lungeemboli hos et barn med Klippel-Trénaunays syndrome.

Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome is characterized by the venous varicosities, ipsilateral cutaneous capillary malformations, and bony/soft-tissue overgrowth. Potential complications such as hypercoagulability, thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been casuistically reported. Here, we describe a child with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome complicated by a pulmonary embolism leading to sudden death.

[Children with infantile haemangiomas should be worked-up for PHACE syndrome]. / Børn med store faciale hæmangiomer bør udredes for PHACE-syndrom.

Infantile haemangiomas are the most common tumours in infants. Large facial haemangiomas are associated with posterior fossa malformations, haemangiomas, arteriel malformations, cardiac defects and eye anomalies (PHACE) syndrome in 20-31%. The diagnosis requires a large facial haemangiom and the minimum of one extracutaneous manifestation. Infants with large facial haemangiomas are in risk of PHACE syndrome and need to be referred to paediatric expertise. This case represents an infant with a large facial haemangioma, who was diagnosed with a coarctatio aortae and hence the PHACE syndrome.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars: a randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of acne scars with fractional CO(2) lasers is gaining increasing impact, but has so far not been compared side-by-side to untreated control skin. OBJECTIVE: In a randomized controlled study to examine efficacy and adverse effects of fractional CO(2) laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars compared to no treatment. METHODS: Patients (n = 13) with atrophic acne scars in two intra-individual areas of similar sizes and appearances were randomized to (i) three monthly fractional CO(2) laser treatments (MedArt 610; 12-14 W, 48-56 mJ/pulse, 13% density) and (ii) no treatment. Blinded on-site evaluations were performed by three physicians on 10-point scales. Endpoints were change in scar texture and atrophy, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Preoperatively, acne scars appeared with moderate to severe uneven texture (6.15 ± 1.23) and atrophy (5.72 ± 1.45) in both interventional and non-interventional control sites, P = 1. Postoperatively, lower scores of scar texture and atrophy were obtained at 1 month (scar texture 4.31 ± 1.33, P < 0.0001; atrophy 4.08 ± 1.38, P < 0.0001), at 3 months (scar texture 4.26 ± 1.97, P < 0.0001; atrophy 3.97 ± 2.08, P < 0.0001), and at 6 months (scar texture 3.89 ± 1.7, P < 0.0001; atrophy 3.56 ± 1.76, P < 0.0001). Patients were satisfied with treatments and evaluated scar texture to be mild or moderately improved. Adverse effects were minor. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial we demonstrated that moderate to severe atrophic acne scars can be safely improved by ablative fractional CO(2) laser resurfacing. The use of higher energy levels might have improved the results and possibly also induced significant adverse effects.

Fractional nonablative 1,540-nm laser resurfacing of atrophic acne scars. A randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation.

The efficacy of nonablative fractional laser resurfacing of acne scars has been described in case reports and uncontrolled trials. The present study is the first randomized controlled trial in this field. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and adverse effects of 1,540-nm nonablative fractional laser treatment of acne scars. Ten patients with acne scars were included. Two intraindividual areas of similar size and appearance within contralateral anatomical regions were randomized to (1) 3-monthly laser treatments with a StarLux 1,540-nm fractional handpiece, and (2) no treatment. Blinded on-site clinical evaluations were performed before treatment, and at 4 and 12 weeks after the final treatment. End-points were overall change in scar texture (from score 0, even texture, to 10, worst possible scarring), adverse effects, change in skin colour (from score 0, absent, to 10, worst possible), and patient satisfaction (from score 0, no satisfaction, to 10, best imaginable satisfaction). Before treatment, scars were moderately atrophic and uneven in texture on both treated and untreated sides (median score 6.5, interquartile range 4.5-8; P=1). After treatment, laser-treated scars appeared more even and smooth than untreated control areas (4.5, 2-6.5, versus 6.5, 4.5-8, P=0.0156, at 4 weeks; 4.5, 2.5-6.5, versus 6.5, 4.5-8, at 12 weeks; P=0.0313). Patients were satisfied with the treatment (5.5, 1-7, after 12 weeks) and five of the ten patients evaluated their acne scars as moderately or significantly improved. No differences were found in skin redness or pigmentation between before and after treatment. Patients experienced moderate pain, erythema, oedema, bullae, and crusts. No adverse effects were seen in untreated control areas. The nonablative 1,540-nm fractional laser improves acne scars with a minimum of adverse effects.

Long-pulsed dye laser versus intense pulsed light for photodamaged skin: a randomized split-face trial with blinded response evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: In a randomized controlled split-face trial to evaluate efficacy and adverse effects from rejuvenation with long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) versus intense pulsed light (IPL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, classes I-II rhytids, and symmetrical split-face photodamage were included in the study. Subjects received a series of three treatments at 3-week intervals with half-face LPDL (V-beam Perfecta, 595 nm, Candela Laser Corporation) and half-face IPL (Ellipse Flex, Danish Dermatologic Development); the interventions being randomly assigned to left and right sides. Primary end-points were telangiectasias, irregular pigmentation and preferred treatment. Secondary end-points were skin texture, rhytids, pain, and adverse effects. Efficacy was evaluated by patient self-assessments and by blinded clinical on-site and photographic evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Adverse effects were evaluated by blinded clinical on-site evaluations. RESULTS: Telangiectasia improved from LPDL and IPL treatments with superior vessel clearance from LPDL treatments (postoperative side-to-side evaluations, patient self-assessments, P

Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and adverse effects of intense pulsed light rejuvenation in a homogeneous group of patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled split-face trial. SETTING: University dermatology department. PATIENTS: Thirty-two female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin type I through III and class I or II rhytids. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to 3 intense pulsed light treatments at 1-month intervals or to no treatment of right or left sides of the face. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end points were skin texture and rhytids. Secondary end points were telangiectasia, irregular pigmentation, and adverse effects. Efficacy was evaluated by patient self-assessments and by blinded clinical and photographic evaluations up to 9 months after final treatment. Adverse effects were assessed clinically and by noninvasive skin reflectance measurements. RESULTS: Skin texture was significantly improved at all clinical assessments except at the 6-month examination (P<.006). The improvements peaked at 1 month after treatment, at which time 23 (82%) of 28 patients had better appearances of treated vs untreated sides. Most patients obtained mild or moderate improvements, and 16 patients (58%) self-reported mild or moderate efficacy on skin texture. Rhytids were not significantly different on treated vs untreated sides, and 19 patients (68%) reported uncertain or no efficacy on rhytids. Significant improvements of telangiectasia (P<.001) and irregular pigmentation (P<.03) were found at all assessments. Three patients withdrew from the study because of pain related to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Three intense pulsed light treatments improved skin texture, telangiectasia, and irregular pigmentation but had no efficacy on rhytids. Adverse events were minimal, but included scar in 1 patient.

CO2 laser-resurfacing: increased risk of side effects after uv-exposure-an experimental animal study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser resurfacing is primarily performed on photodamaged facial skin where patients are further exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) postoperatively. We examined whether pre- and postoperative UVR influences the development of CO(2) laser-induced side effects. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hairless mice (n = 211) were treated with a Sharplan CO(2) laser with FeatherTouch scanner. Simulated solar irradiation was administered either preoperatively or pre- and postoperatively. Skin end-points (wounds, texture changes, and pigmentary changes) were evaluated blinded by clinical evaluations, skin reflectance spectroscopy, and histological examinations. RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative UVR exposed mice obtained higher clinical scores of wounds (P < 0.02) and texture changes (P < 0.01) and developed more heavy fibrosis than mice treated with laser but no UVR. UVR exposure after CO(2) laser treatment induced significant hyperpigmentation compared to unexposed control mice (P < 0.003), whereas CO(2) laser treatment itself did not induce pigmentary changes. CONCLUSIONS: UVR increases in an animal model the occurrence of postoperative side effects from CO(2) laser resurfacing.

CO2 laser resurfacing and photocarcinogenesis: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To examine whether carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment has a carcinogenic potential or may influence ultraviolet (UV)-induced carcinogenesis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hairless mice (n = 211) were treated with a Sharplan CO2 laser with FeatherTouch scanner. Simulated solar irradiations were administrated either pre-operatively or pre- and post-operatively. Weekly clinical assessments of skin tumors were performed blinded during the entire observation period of 12 months. RESULTS: No tumors appeared (a) in mice just treated with CO2 laser, (b) in mice exposed to UV irradiation only before CO2 laser treatment or (c) in untreated control mice. Tumors developed in CO2 laser treated mice that were exposed to UV-irradiation both pre- and post-operatively and in UV-irradiated control mice. The time to first, second, and third tumors ranged from 18 to 20 weeks and no significant differences were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser treatment does not have a carcinogenic potential in itself, nor does CO2 laser treatment influence UV-induced carcinogenesis.