Long-term results in the treatment of childhood hemangioma with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser: An evaluation of 617 cases

Background and Objective: Presenting the long-term results of flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser treatment in 617 hemangiomas to evaluate this treatment modality. Study Design/Materials and Methods: In 548 children, 692 hemangiomas were treated with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) SPTL 1B (Candela Corporation, Wayland, MA). The objective of treatment was the inhibition of further growth or the induction of regression. The treatment results were documented by the treating physician as well as by means of a questionnaire delivered to the parents. A total of 617 treatment results could be evaluated. Results: After 1-12 treatments (mean, 2.5), we could achieve our treatment objective to stop the further growth of the lesion in 96.6% of all hemangiomas. In 13.8%, the treatment resulted in a complete remission, a significant regression was seen in 14.9%, and 67.9% of the treated lesions showed a discontinuation of growth. The percentage of complete remission was especially high in small superficial (42.6%) and superficial (19%) hemangiomas. Conclusion: In the vast majority of the hemangiomas, it was possible to stop further progression or induce regression by FPDL treatment. Total regression could be achieved in nearly half of the small superficial hemangiomas. Because the treatment is fast, effective, and nearly without side effects, we recommend early laser treatment especially in superficial and small childhood hemangiomas. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.