The 595-nm Wavelength Pulsed Dye Laser for Pediatric Port-Wine Birthmarks and Infantile Hemangiomas: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction

The 595-nm wavelength pulsed dye laser (PDL) is well-established in the treatment of vascular lesions. In June 2023, it received FDA clearance for the treatment of port-wine birthmarks (PWB) and infantile hemangiomas (IH) in the pediatric population.

Objective

Review the evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and implications of using PDL for management of pediatric PWB and IH.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles and clinical trials published between July 2002 and December 2022 in which PDL was used to treat pediatric PWB and IH.

Results

After application of criteria, 33 journal articles with 7725 total patients were included. Only 16 (0.8%) of the 2,033 patients with PWB and 11 (0.2%) of the 5692 patients with hemangioma reported permanent adverse effects including scarring, keloids, or permanent pigmentation change, and none reported blindness or other serious injury. Good, excellent, or complete clearance after PDL–on average or in greater than 50% of patients–was reported in 17 of 19 studies (89%) that reported these measures for PWB, and seven of the seven studies (100%) for IH.

Conclusion

The 595-nm PDL is an excellent treatment option for early intervention in pediatric patients with PWB or IH.