Efficacy and safety of quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (532nm) laser therapy of port-wine stains

Background: The quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 532nm laser has been used for the first time in the treatment of port-wine stain (PWS). Objectives: To determine the efficacy and side effects of quasi-continuous Nd:YAG 532nm laser in the treatment of PWS. Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The site and colour of PWS were recorded and assessed subjectively and by photography both before and after treatment. The patients had test areas treated and followed up after four weeks. Maximally eight treatments were given on any one site or until >75% improvement occurred. Final evaluation was done one month after the last treatment session on a four-point scale. Results: Twenty patients were treated, age range 15-35 years with 14 females. All the patients had PWS in the head and neck region and achieved >25% improvement. Patients underwent a mean of 7.55 treatment sessions. Overall, fifteen (75%) showed 75-100% improvement. The side effects seen in the study were hyperpigmentation in 65% cases, textural changes in six (30%) and eczematization after laser therapy in four (20%) of patients. Other complications included intraoperative hemorrhage and pyogenic granuloma-like lesions that occurred in two cases (10%) each. Conclusion: We have shown that frequency doubled Nd:YAG 532nm is effective and safe in the treatment of PWS.