Manuel António Campos1,2,3,4, Ana Cristina Sousa1, Paulo Varela1, Armando Baptista1, Nuno Menezes1. 1. Dermatology Department, Vila Nova de Gaia Central Hospital, Vila Nova da Gaia, Portugal. 2. Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup) - Cancer Biology, Porto, Portugal. 3. Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. 4. Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a common condition in Caucasians. The most frequently used lasers to treat this condition are pulsed dye laser (PDL) and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd:YAG). This study compares the treatment efficacy of purpuragenic PDL with that of sequential emission of 595 nm PDL and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG (multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG). METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, and controlled split-face study. Both cheeks were treated, with side randomization to receive treatment with PDL or multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG. Efficacy was evaluated by spectrophotometric measurement, visual photograph evaluation, the Dermatology Quality of Life Index questionnaire, and a post-treatment questionnaire. RESULTS:Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Treatment was associated with a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001). PDL and multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modalities significantly reduced the erythema index (EI; p < 0.05). When comparing the degree of EI reduction, no differences were observed between the two treatment modalities. PDL was associated with a higher degree of pain and a higher percentage of purpura. Multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was associated with fewer side effects and greater global satisfaction, and 96.3% of the patients would recommend this treatment to a friend. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser modalities are efficacious in the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was preferred by the patients.
RCT Entities:
INTRODUCTION:Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a common condition in Caucasians. The most frequently used lasers to treat this condition are pulsed dye laser (PDL) and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd:YAG). This study compares the treatment efficacy of purpuragenic PDL with that of sequential emission of 595 nm PDL and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG (multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG). METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, and controlled split-face study. Both cheeks were treated, with side randomization to receive treatment with PDL or multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG. Efficacy was evaluated by spectrophotometric measurement, visual photograph evaluation, the Dermatology Quality of Life Index questionnaire, and a post-treatment questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Treatment was associated with a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001). PDL and multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modalities significantly reduced the erythema index (EI; p < 0.05). When comparing the degree of EI reduction, no differences were observed between the two treatment modalities. PDL was associated with a higher degree of pain and a higher percentage of purpura. Multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was associated with fewer side effects and greater global satisfaction, and 96.3% of the patients would recommend this treatment to a friend. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser modalities are efficacious in the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was preferred by the patients.