Joshua P Fogelman1, Mary L Stevenson2, Robin Ashinoff3, Nicholas A Soter2. 1. Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, and Dermatology Center of Rockland, P.C., New York, New York, and Orangeburg, New York; 2. Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York; 3. Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York; ; Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of the 585nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of idiopathic flushing with dysesthesia. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of patients treated with a 585nm pulsed dye laser with fluences ranging from 3.5 to 7.5J/cm(2) (purpura threshold fluences), a pulse duration of 450μsec, and a spot size of 5 or 10mm. SETTING: The Ronald 0. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten adult subjects who presented with flushing with dysesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: PARTICIPANTS subjectively evaluated the decrease in dysesthesia and the number of flushing episodes. The objective response to treatment was evaluated by a single physician using pre- and postoperative photographs. The severity of postoperative erythema was compared with baseline using an ordinal scale ranging from zero (resolution of erythema) to four (76-100% of baseline erythema). RESULTS: The mean number of treatments received by the subjects was seven. The mean fluence was 6.66J/cm(2). Subjectively, 100 percent of subjects reported a decrease in dysethesia and the number of flushing episodes. OBJECTIVEly, subjects demonstrated at least a 62.5-percent reduction in erythema. CONCLUSION: Laser surgery provided subjective relief of dysesthesia and decreased the number of flushing episodes with a greater than 62-percent objective reduction in the severity of erythema. The 585nm pulsed dye laser is a safe, efficacious treatment for the signs and symptoms of idiopathic flushing with dysesthesia.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of the 585nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of idiopathic flushing with dysesthesia. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of patients treated with a 585nm pulsed dye laser with fluences ranging from 3.5 to 7.5J/cm(2) (purpura threshold fluences), a pulse duration of 450μsec, and a spot size of 5 or 10mm. SETTING: The Ronald 0. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten adult subjects who presented with flushing with dysesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: PARTICIPANTS subjectively evaluated the decrease in dysesthesia and the number of flushing episodes. The objective response to treatment was evaluated by a single physician using pre- and postoperative photographs. The severity of postoperative erythema was compared with baseline using an ordinal scale ranging from zero (resolution of erythema) to four (76-100% of baseline erythema). RESULTS: The mean number of treatments received by the subjects was seven. The mean fluence was 6.66J/cm(2). Subjectively, 100 percent of subjects reported a decrease in dysethesia and the number of flushing episodes. OBJECTIVEly, subjects demonstrated at least a 62.5-percent reduction in erythema. CONCLUSION: Laser surgery provided subjective relief of dysesthesia and decreased the number of flushing episodes with a greater than 62-percent objective reduction in the severity of erythema. The 585nm pulsed dye laser is a safe, efficacious treatment for the signs and symptoms of idiopathic flushing with dysesthesia.