A case series pilot study on the combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for treatment of vitiligo

Abstract: Background: To study the effective therapeutic concentration, drug application duration, irradiation duration and irradiation dosage of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for treating vitiligo and observe its clinical efficacy. Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of ALA-PDT for treating vitiligo. Methods: ALA with different drug concentrations, drug application durations, irradiation durations and irradiation dosages were adopted to treat skin lesions caused by vitiligo to determine the effective drug concentration, drug application duration, irradiation duration and irradiation dosage for treating three vitiligo volunteers and observe the therapeutic results. Results: The clinical trial suggested that ALA at a drug concentration of 1.5%, drug application duration for 3 hours, irradiation dosage of 80mw/cm2 and irradiation duration for 20 min was effective in treating vitiligo. Under these parameters, ALA-PDT was effective to the three vitiligo volunteers, with mild pain and feeling of burning but no other adverse reaction during treatment. Study limitations: Due to the small sample size in this study for the effectiveness of PDT in treating vitiligo and the potential variations in the efficacy for treating the disease at different areas, further studies shall be conducted for confirmation. Conclusions: ALA with a drug concentration at 1.5%, drug application duration for 3 hours, irradiation dosage of 80 mw/cm2 and irradiation duration for 20 min is effective in treating vitiligo. Therefore, ALA-PDT is safe and effective in treating the disease, with minor adverse events, providing a new method for treating vitiligo in the future.

Application of dermoscopy image analysis technique in diagnosing urethral condylomata acuminata

Abstract: Background: In this study, cases with suspected urethral condylomata acuminata were examined by dermoscopy, in order to explore an effective method for clinical. Objective: To study the application of dermoscopy image analysis technique in clinical diagnosis of urethral condylomata acuminata. Methods: A total of 220 suspected urethral condylomata acuminata were clinically diagnosed first with the naked eyes, and then by using dermoscopy image analysis technique. Afterwards, a comparative analysis was made for the two diagnostic methods. Results: Among the 220 suspected urethral condylomata acuminata, there was a higher positive rate by dermoscopy examination than visual observation. Study limitations: Dermoscopy examination technique is still restricted by its inapplicability in deep urethral orifice and skin wrinkles, and concordance between different clinicians may also vary. Conclusion: Dermoscopy image analysis technique features a high sensitivity, quick and accurate diagnosis and is non-invasive, and we recommend its use.

Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy for the treatment of port-wine stain birthmarks in pediatric patients

Abstract: Port-wine stain is a type of common congenital superficial telangiectasia in the dermal layer mostly occurring on the forehead, face, and neck. The affected skin shows abnormal red or purple lesions, which darken and thicken. Nodular changes may develop with advancing age. If untreated, port-wine stains scarcely regress, which can have serious lifelong psychological impact on patients and affect their quality of life. In this report, we focused on two cases of port-wine stain in pediatric patients; the youngest patient was only 1.5 years old. During and after treatment, Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy features fewer adverse reactions, short light protection period, easy nursing, and good efficacy.