A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of picosecond laser in dermatology was originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have broadened its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this systematic review, evidence-based recommendations are developed for the use of picosecond laser in dermatology. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of the English language literature was performed up to and including November 2019. Relevant citations were individually evaluated, synthesized, and categorized based on the Level of Evidence. With the addition of the authors' combined clinical experience, clinical recommendations were developed. RESULTS: After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 77 unique studies were evaluated. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions was associated with level I-IV evidence; rejuvenation was associated with level II evidence; melasma was associated with level II evidence; scar revision was associated with level II-III evidence; tattoo removal was associated with level I evidence. CONCLUSION: Picosecond laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for an increasing range of dermatologic indications. Further development of this technology is warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy and safety of picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array for non-ablative rejuvenation in Chinese skin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The picosecond alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array (DLA) offers the dual advantages of a picosecond pulse duration and the fractionated delivery of laser energy. This study explores the efficacy and safety of the DLA for treatment of multiple aesthetic concerns associated with photoaging of the face including skin texture irregularities, dyspigmentation, enlarged pore size, rhytides, and skin laxity. METHODS: This prospective, evaluator-blinded trial enrolled Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV patients with mild to moderate signs of facial photoaging. Patients received six full face treatments at 4 week intervals for a total of 107 treatments. Standardized photography was obtained at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 month follow-up visits. Two independent blinded evaluators rated each of the five signs of photoaging on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at each follow-up visit compared to baseline. A global aesthetic improvement score was also assigned at each follow-up visit. Secondary outcomes included patient-rated pain and heat sensation on a 10-point VAS, and overall satisfaction. Adverse events were noted after each treatment and at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 18 Chinese patients age 35-59 completed the study. A statistically significant improvement in skin texture and dyspigmentation scores was noted at the 1 month follow-up that was sustained at 3 months. No significant improvements wer--e observed in pore size, rhytides, or skin laxity. The mean pain score was 5.1 ± 2 and mean heat sensation was 3.6 ± 2.1. Expected transient erythema and edema occurred in 95.3% (102/107) and 1.9% (2/108) of treatments, respectively, and resolved in hours. No incidences of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were noted at the 1, 2, and 3 month visits. CONCLUSION: The 755-nm picosecond laser with DLA is a safe and effective non-ablative modality for targeting facial skin texture irregularities and dyspigmentation in Chinese skin. Patients tolerated the treatment well with adverse effects limited to transient erythema and edema. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:8-13, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fractional resurfacing in the Asian patient: Current state of the art.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fractionated photothermolysis (FP) has revolutionized modern laser technology. By creating selective columns of microthermal damage, fractionated devices allows for greater treatment depths to be achieved without the prolonged downtime and risk of complications seen in traditional fully ablative laser resurfacing. Fractional resurfacing is a proven method to treat a variety of cutaneous conditions. In the Caucasian patient, a wide range of devices and treatment settings can be utilized safely and effectively. However, ethnic skin requires special consideration due to its unique pigmentary characteristics and clinical presentations. In this review article, we detail the current indications and strategies to optimize results and mitigate complications when utilizing fractional resurfacing for the Asian patient. METHODS: A review of the MEDLINE English literature was conducted on fractionated laser devices studied in the Asian population. Articles included describe non-ablative devices including fractionated erbium glass, thulium fiber, diode, and radiofrequency devices; and ablative devices including fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser, erbium yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium scandium gallium garnet (YSGG) laser. These data were integrated with the expert opinion of the authors. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the unique characteristics and cosmetic concerns of the Asian population, fractional resurfacing can be considered a safe and effective option for the treatment of atrophic and hypertrophic scarring, and photorejuvenation in ethnic skin types. Select cases of melasma may be treated with fractionated non-ablative devices, but utilized with caution. The predominant complication associated with fractional resurfacing for these conditions is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and rebound worsening of melasma. A greater number of treatments at lower density settings and wider treatment intervals typically produce the lowest risks of PIH without compromising treatment efficacy. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:45-59, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A retrospective, multicenter analysis of the predictive value of mitotic rate for sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity in thin melanomas.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies to substantiate whether the presence of a single mitosis justifies sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) in thin melanomas. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if mitotic rate is associated with SLNB outcome when taking into account other prognostic factors. METHODS: All cases of melanoma that underwent SLNB in the province of Alberta, Canada, between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed through a provincial tumor database. RESULTS: A total of 1072 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. When analyzing all melanomas regardless of thickness, mitotic rate was a good predictor of SLN status. When stratified by Breslow thickness, only intermediate melanomas (1.01-2.0 mm) demonstrated a significant relationship between mitotic rate and positive SLN status (P = .010). For melanomas 1 mm or smaller, mitotic rate was not associated with SLN status. A statistically significant interaction was identified between Breslow thickness and mitotic rate such that for decreasing Breslow depth, the effect of mitotic rate on SLNB status diminished (P = .028). LIMITATIONS: The study was retrospective in nature. There is underlying variability in mitotic rate reporting methods over time, and between different dermatopathologists. CONCLUSIONS: Mitotic rate does not have unequivocal utility in predicting SLNB status in thin melanomas. There is a significant interaction between mitotic rate and Breslow depth, such that the predictive value of mitotic rate on SLN positivity may be dependent on Breslow thickness.

Application of intense pulsed light in the treatment of dermatologic disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved intense pulsed light (IPL) devices for the treatment of a variety of benign pigmentary and vascular lesions, but the range of disease amenable to IPL treatment continues to expand, and there are no evidence-based clinical guidelines for its use in FDA-approved and off-label indications. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations to guide physicians in the application of IPL for the treatment of dermatologic disease. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A literature search of the CENTRAL (1991 to May 6, 2013), EMBASE (1974 to May 6, 2013), and MEDLINE in-process and nonindexed citations and MEDLINE (1964 to present) databases was conducted. Studies that examined the role of IPL in primary dermatologic disease were identified, and multiple independent investigators extracted and synthesized data. Recommendations were based on the highest level of evidence available. FINDINGS: Level 1 evidence was found for the use of IPL for the treatment of melasma, acne vulgaris, and telangiectasia. Level 2 evidence was found for the treatment of lentiginous disease, rosacea, capillary malformations, actinic keratoses, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Level 3 or lower evidence was found for the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte, venous malformations, infantile hemangioma, hypertrophic scars, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and Bowen's disease. CONCLUSIONS: IPL is an effective treatment modality for a growing range of dermatologic disease and in some cases may represent a treatment of choice. It is typically well tolerated. Further high-quality studies are required.

Noninvasive Body Contouring: A Male Perspective.

Noninvasive body contouring is an attractive therapeutic modality to enhance the ideal male physique. Men place higher value on enhancing a well-defined, strong, masculine jawline and developing a V-shaped taper through the upper body. An understanding of the body contour men strive for allows the treating physician to focus on areas that are of most concern to men, thus enhancing patient experience and satisfaction. This article discusses noninvasive body contouring techniques, taking into account the unique aesthetic concerns of the male patient by combining an analysis of the existing literature with our own clinical experience.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of topical imiquimod 5% for plaque-type morphea: a multicenter, prospective, vehicle-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of evidence-based therapies that are safe and effective for plaque-type morphea. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential and safety profile of imiquimod 5% cream in plaque-type morphea. METHODS: We enrolled 25 adult patients from two Canadian centers with histologically confirmed plaque-type morphea. Imiquimod 5% was applied to a representative plaque, and vehicle was applied to a control plaque for 9 months. Treatment efficacy was assessed with the Dyspigmentation, Induration, Erythema, and Telangiectasias (DIET) score, histology, and ultrasound evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-two patients completed the entire length of the study. Imiquimod 5% was superior to vehicle in reducing DIET scores at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (p < .05). Induration demonstrated the greatest response. Histologic evaluation showed significant improvement or resolution of disease. However, no ultrasonographic differences were found in dermal and hypodermal thicknesses between the treatment and vehicle groups (p > .05). Adverse effects were minimal and well tolerated.

Off-label uses of topical vitamin D in dermatology: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Topical vitamin D is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis but is also used off-label in the treatment of a variety of cutaneous diseases despite a lack of evidence-based guidelines. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide evidence-based clinical guidelines for the off-label use of topical vitamin D in the treatment of dermatologic disease. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted via the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for off-label uses of topical vitamin D analogues in the treatment of dermatologic disease other than psoriasis. The data were synthesized, and evidence-based recommendations were rendered according to the highest level of evidence available. RESULTS: A total of 165 articles met the inclusion criteria. A moderate to strong recommendation was given for the use of topical vitamin D in combination with corticosteroids and phototherapy in vitiligo and as monotherapy for various ichthyoses, morphea, pityriasis alba, prurigo nodularis, and polymorphous light eruption. There is evidence showing that topical vitamin D is ineffective in the treatment of actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, lichen planus, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and hypertrophic scars. CONCLUSION: Topical vitamin D analogues have an important role in the off-label treatment of dermatologic disease, but higher quality studies are still required.

Trends in the Association between Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis commonly associated with underlying systemic illness, typically of autoimmune origin. The association of PG with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been reported but remains poorly recognized. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a case of PG manifesting 5 years following the diagnosis of AIH and conduct a literature review to determine the significance of this association. We identified a predisposition for young females and a tendency for PG to arise 4 to 12 years after the diagnosis of AIH during a period of disease quiescence. Additionally, fulminant hepatitis as the initial presentation of AIH appears to be a risk factor in the subsequent development of PG. CONCLUSIONS: These observations may provide important clues for the pathogenesis of PG in the context of AIH. Recognition of this association has important implications for dermatologists in the evaluation, workup, and management of patients with a history of AIH and suspected PG.

Primary systemic (amyloid light-chain) amyloidosis masquerading as pseudoxanthoma elasticum: recognizing a novel clinicopathological pattern.

IMPORTANCE: Primary systemic (amyloid light-chain [AL]) amyloidosis has a variety of cutaneous manifestations. In this case, we present a novel clinicopathological pattern of AL amyloidosis. OBSERVATIONS: A woman in her 50s with a history of AL amyloidosis manifesting as macroglossia and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome presented with skin-colored to yellow cobblestoned plaques to the neck and bilateral antecubital fossa. Although clinical similar to pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), the skin changes were found to be due to amyloid deposition primarily around the pilosebaceous unit but also within the papillary and reticular dermis. Previous reports of PXE-like plaques in AL amyloidosis have been reported as part of a very rare entity termed amyloid elastosis. However, our case demonstrates several important clinical and pathological differences from this entity. Most notably, there was no dermal elastic fiber involvement, limited cutaneous and systemic involvement, and a fairly indolent course with better response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Identification of this atypical presentation of AL amyloidosis has important implications for early detection and rapid treatment. The lack of elastic fiber involvement establishes the uniqueness of this case, and further study may be required to determine if this histological finding has prognostic significance.