Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in children: Initial experience with the Nd-YAG Laser

ABSTRACT

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome [KTS] is a relatively uncommon disease. There is still no common consensus as to the management protocols, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to describe a series of patients with KTS and to report our initial experience in using the Nd-YAG laser as a new modality for treatment of the bleeding cutaneous capillary vascular lesions. We reviewed the clinical characteristics and outcomes in 8 patients [5 males and 3 females] with KTS who were managed during the period from January 1998 to August 2003 at the Pediatric Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. All patients presented with cutaneous bleeding to which single or repeated Nd-YAG laser photo coagulation sessions were conducted. Serial scanograms, arterial and, venous doppler studies were also performed. The male to female ratio was 53. All patients had visible varicosities, nevi and all the three characteristics of KTS. Bleeding was the main presenting symptom. Nd-YAG laser was used successfully for management of this complication. Nd-YAG laser as a new application in children suffering from KTS, with improvement of bleeding as an encountered complication.