Long-term results in the treatment of childhood hemangioma with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser: An evaluation of 617 cases

Background and Objective: Presenting the long-term results of flashlamp-pum ped pulsed dye laser treatment in 617 hemangiomas to evaluate this treatmen t modality. Study Design/Materials and Methods: In 548 children, 692 hemangiomas were t reated with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) SPTL 1B (Candela C orporation, Wayland, MA). The objective of treatment was the inhibition of further growth or the induction of regression. The treatment results were d ocumented by the treating physician as well as by means of a questionnaire delivered to the parents. A total of 617 treatment results could be evaluat ed. Results: After 1-12 treatments (mean, 2.5), we could achieve our treatment objective to stop the further growth of the lesion in 96.6% of all hemangio mas. In 13.8%, the treatment resulted in a complete remission, a significan t regression was seen in 14.9%, and 67.9% of the treated lesions showed a d iscontinuation of growth. The percentage of complete remission was especial ly high in small superficial (42.6%) and superficial (19%) hemangiomas. Conclusion: In the vast majority of the hemangiomas, it was possible to sto p further progression or induce regression by FPDL treatment. Total regress ion could be achieved in nearly half of the small superficial hemangiomas. Because the treatment is fast, effective, and nearly without side effects, we recommend early laser treatment especially in superficial and small chil dhood hemangiomas. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.