Timing and Efficacy Evaluation of 755-nm Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser and 2% Carteolol Hydrochloride Eye Drops Co-Treatment for Thicker Superficial Infantile Hemangioma

Purpose: Superficial Infantile hemangioma (SIH) is the most common type of IH. Some studies have shown the efficacy of 755-nm long pulse alexandrite laser (LPAL) and topical 2% carteolol hydrochloride (C-HCL) eye drops for the treatment of SIH. This article retrospectively analyzes the safety and efficacy of 755-nm LPAL combined with 2% C-HCL eye drops for treating thicker SIH, and explores the optimal treatment time for SIH.
Materials and Methods: This study included 2– 5 mm thick SIH patients who received co-treatment of 755-nm LPAL and 2% C-HCL eye drops. The SIH patients were divided into 3 groups based on their age and IH growth curve: ≤ 1 month (≤ 1M), 1– 3 months (excluding 1 month; 1– 3M), and 3– 12 months (excluding 3 months; 3− 12M).
Results: There was no difference in efficacy between the ≤ 1M and the 1– 3M group, and were both better than the 3– 12M group. Furthermore, there was no difference in the average number of treatments between the ≤ 1M and 1– 3M groups and were both less than the 3– 12M group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups. Compared with the ≤ 1M and 1– 3M groups, the 3– 12M group indicated more permanent skin lesions after the treatment.
Conclusion: It was revealed that co-treatment with 755-nm LPAL and 2% C-HCL eye drops is safe and effective against thicker SIH. Compared with the 3– 12M group, ≤ 3 months can achieve better efficacy, requires a shorter treatment time, less likely to leave permanent skin lesions such as scars. Moreover, patients with no proliferation can be observed to 1 month.

Keywords: infantile hemangioma, 755-nm long pulse alexandrite laser, 2% carteolol hydrochloride eye drops, treatment timing, efficacy