Patient reported outcomes for intensified versus conventional NB-UVB treatment in non-segmental vitiligo.

Introduction: Treatment of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) remains a challenge. Efficacy of NB-UVB treatment may increase with more frequent use or in combination with topical agents. Currently, data on the most effective treatment regimen lacking. Our objective is to retrospectively compare NB-UVB treatment regimens for non-segmental vitiligo. Methods: Patients with NSV treated with NB-UVB therapy were included in two time periods. Group I received NB-UVB therapy twice a week (conventional treatment) and group II received NB-UVB thrice a week, combined with topical agents (intensified treatment). Patients completed a questionnaire regarding the degree and onset of repigmentation, satisfaction and side effects. Results: Repigmentation scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. Onset of repigmentation in the first three months seemed higher in group II, but this difference was not significant (23.4% vs 51.1%; p = .11). In both groups the majority of the patients were moderately to very satisfied (group I: 70.2% group II: 73.3%). The occurrence of adverse effects was comparable. Conclusions: This study indicates that conventional and intensified treatment for NSV seem to be comparable. The intensified treatment might be more effective to speed up the onset of repigmentation, but larger prospective studies are needed to objectify these findings.

Spatiotemporal closure of fractional laser-ablated channels imaged by optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) offer high-resolution optical imaging of the skin, which may provide benefit in the context of laser-assisted drug delivery. We aimed to characterize postoperative healing of ablative fractional laser (AFXL)-induced channels and dynamics in their spatiotemporal closure using in vivo OCT and RCM techniques. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inner forearm of healthy subjects (n = 6) was exposed to 10,600 nm fractional CO2 laser using 5 and 25% densities, 120 µm beam diameter, 5, 15, and 25 mJ/microbeam. Treatment sites were scanned with OCT to evaluate closure of AFXL-channels and RCM to evaluate subsequent re-epithelialization. RESULTS: OCT and RCM identified laser channels in epidermis and upper dermis as black, ablated tissue defects surrounded by characteristic hyper-and hyporeflective zones. OCT imaged individual laser channels of the entire laser grid, and RCM imaged epidermal cellular and structural changes around a single laser channel to the depth of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) and upper papillary dermis. OCT images visualized a heterogeneous material in the lower part of open laser channels, indicating tissue fluid. By OCT the median percentage of open channels was evaluated at several time points within the first 24 hours and laser channels were found to gradually close, depending on the used energy level. Thus, at 5 mJ/microbeam, 87% (range 73-100%) of channels were open one hour after laser exposure, which declined to 27% (range 20-100%) and 20% (range 7-93%) at 12 and 24 hours after laser exposure, respectively. At 25 mJ/microbeam, 100% (range 100-100%) of channels were open 1 hour after laser exposure while 53% (range 33-100%) and 40% (range 0-100%) remained open at 12 and 24 hours after exposure. Median depth and width of open channels decreased over time depending of applied energy. RCM verified initial re-epithelialization from day 2 for all energy levels used. Morphology of ablation defects by OCT and RCM corresponded to histological assessments. CONCLUSIONS: OCT and RCM enabled imaging of AFXL-channels and their spatiotemporal closure. Laser channels remained open up to 24 hours post laser, which may be important for the time perspective to deliver topical substances through AFXL channels.

Erythema exsudativum multiforme after a Leishmania skin test.

A 45-year-old otherwise healthy male from an endemic region for Leishmania braziliensis infection in Bahia, Brazil, presented with three erosive hemorrhagic infiltrated plaques on the left shin accompanied with lymphadenopathy in the groin since one month. A Leishmania skin test performed on the left forearm was strongly positive (20 × 18 mm). Two days later, the patient felt sick and feverish. Painful erythematous target lesions developed on the palms and scapula together with conjunctivitis. Histopathology confirmed erythema exsudativum multiforme (EEM). Both EEM and cutaneous leishmaniasis were successfully treated with a 5-day course of prednisone 20 mg, and a 20-day course of intravenous pentavalent antimony, respectively.

High prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in children and adolescents with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitiligo is considered to be an autoimmune disease and is known to be associated with other autoimmune diseases, particularly affecting the thyroid. In children and adolescents this association has been reported in only a few studies, with varying results. The aim of this study was to examine thyroid function and prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in children and adolescents with vitiligo and to investigate the utility of screening. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients with vitiligo were enrolled. Plasma TSH, FT4 and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody concentrations were measured. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity were compared to the general healthy paediatric population. RESULTS: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) with thyroid hormone disturbances was diagnosed in 16 patients (6.2%). This is significantly higher than the prevalence reported in the general healthy paediatric population. Increased levels of anti-TPO antibodies (= 30 kU/l), without thyroid hormone disturbances, were found in 27 patients (10.5%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AIT in children and adolescents with vitiligo is significantly higher than in the general population. It may be advantageous to screen thyroid function and antibody levels in all paediatric patients with non-segmental vitiligo. To strengthen recommendations on screening, research on the burden for patients and cost-effectiveness is needed.

Non-ablative 1550 nm fractional laser therapy not effective for erythema dyschromicum perstans and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Erythema dyschromicum perstans and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are characterized by papillary dermal pigmentation or pigment incontinence. To date, no standard treatment is available. Fractional laser therapy (FLT) was recently reported to improve different pigment disorders. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of non-ablative FLT in the treatment of erythema dyschromicum perstans and PIH. METHODS: Eight patients with erythema dyschromicum perstans and six patients with PIH were included. In each patient, two similar test regions were randomized to receive either five fractional laser treatments in combination with intermittent daily topical bleaching or the same intermittent regimen of topical bleaching alone. Three months after the last treatment, improvement of hyperpigmentation was assessed by melanin index, reflectance spectroscopy, physician's assessment, patient's assessment and patient's satisfaction. In addition, a biopsy of both laser treated and control site was evaluated by an independent blinded pathologist. RESULTS: No clinical improvement of hyperpigmentation was observed. Reflectance spectroscopy, melanin index, number of melanocytes and amount of dermal melanin did not significantly differ. Patients considered FLT unsatisfactory. Moreover, three patients developed laser-induced PIH. CONCLUSIONS: With these specific laser settings, non-ablative FLT was not effective for the treatment of erythema dyschromicum perstans and PIH.

Formation of fibrosis after nonablative and ablative fractional laser therapy.

BACKGROUND: Fractional laser therapy (FLT) has become a widely accepted modality for skin rejuvenation and has also been used in various other skin diseases. OBJECTIVE: To observe long-term histologic effects of nonablative and ablative FLT in the treatment of pigment disorders. METHODS: A randomized controlled observer-blinded study was performed in 18 patients with pigment disorders. Two similar test regions were randomized to receive FLT with intermittent topical bleaching or topical bleaching alone. Patients with ashy dermatosis (AD) and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were treated using nonablative 1,550-nm FLT (15 mJ/microbeam, 14-20% coverage), whereas patients with Becker's nevus (BN) were treated with ablative 10,600-nm FLT (10 mJ/microbeam, 35-45% coverage) for three to five sessions. Biopsies were obtained 3 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: At follow-up, dermal fibrosis was observed in four of eight patients treated using ablative FLT and no patients treated using nonablative FLT (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that the dermal response is comparable in AD, PIH, and BN, at the given settings, ablative FLT may induce fibrosis, whereas treatment with nonablative FLT does not. Whether formation of fibrosis has to be regarded as dermal remodeling or a subtle subclinical form of scarring should be investigated in future research.

Ablative fractional laser therapy as treatment for Becker nevus: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Becker nevus (BN) is an uncommon pigment disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation and sometimes hypertrichosis. To date, no effective treatment has been available. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess efficacy and safety of ablative 10,600-nm fractional laser therapy (FLT) in the treatment of BN. METHODS: Eleven patients with BN, older than 18 years, were included in a prospective randomized controlled, observer-blinded split-lesion trial. In each patient two similar square test regions were randomized to either ablative FLT at 10 mJ/microbeam, coverage 35% to 45%, and topical bleaching (to prevent laser-induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), or topical bleaching alone (to allow comparison of the regions). At 3- and 6-month follow-up, clearance of hyperpigmentation was assessed by physician global assessment, reflectance spectroscopy, melanin index, patient global assessment, patient satisfaction, and histology. RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, physician global assessment improved in the FLT region (P < .05). Reflectance spectroscopy, melanin index, number of melanocytes, and amount of dermal melanin did not significantly differ between the regions. Patient global assessment and patient satisfaction were 5.0 and 5.9 (visual analog scale score, 0-10), respectively. Side effects were postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (n = 3), erythema (n = 3), burning sensation (n = 3), crusting (n = 3), edema (n = 2), and blistering (n = 2). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the small number of patients, treatment in spring, possibly suboptimal laser settings, and the combined usage of FLT and a bleaching agent. CONCLUSION: Ablative FLT was moderately effective in some patients with BN. However, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and relatively negative patient-reported outcomes still preclude ablative FLT from being a standard therapy. Larger studies with different laser settings will be required to optimize this treatment modality.

Nonablative 1550-nm fractional laser therapy versus triple topical therapy for the treatment of melasma: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Various treatments are currently available for melasma. However, results are often disappointing. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of nonablative 1550-nm fractional laser therapy and compare results with those obtained with triple topical therapy (the gold standard). METHODS: Twenty female patients with moderate to severe melasma and Fitzpatrick skin types II to V were treated either with nonablative fractional laser therapy or triple topical therapy (hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.05%, and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream) once daily for 8 weeks in a randomized controlled observer-blinded study. Laser treatment was performed every 2 weeks for a total of 4 times. Physician Global Assessment was assessed at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Physician Global Assessment improved (P < .001) in both groups at 3 weeks. There was no difference in Physician Global Assessment between the two groups. Mean treatment satisfaction and recommendation were significantly higher in the laser group at 3 weeks (P < .05). However, melasma recurred in 5 patients in both groups after 6 months. Side effects in the laser group were erythema, burning sensation, facial edema, and pain; in the triple group side effects were erythema, burning, and scaling. LIMITATIONS: Limitations were: small number of patients; only one set of laser parameters; and a possible difference in motivation between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nonablative fractional laser therapy is safe and comparable in efficacy and recurrence rate with triple topical therapy. It may be a useful alternative treatment option for melasma when topical bleaching is ineffective or not tolerated. Different laser settings and long-term maintenance treatment should be tested in future studies.

Non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser therapy versus triple topical therapy for the treatment of melasma: a randomized controlled split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a uichronic, often relapsing skin disorder, with poor long-term results from all current therapies. OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser therapy (FLT) as compared to the gold standard, triple topical therapy (TTT). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine patients with melasma were included in a randomized controlled observer-blinded study with split-face design. Each side of the face was randomly allocated to either 4-5 non-ablative FLT sessions (15 mJ/microbeam, 14-20% coverage) or TTT (hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.05%, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream). TTT was applied once daily for 15 weeks until the last FLT session. After this last treatment, patients were asked to apply TTT twice weekly on both sides of the face during follow-up. Improvement of melasma was assessed by patient's global assessment (PGA), patient's satisfaction, physician's global assessment (PhGA), melanin index, and lightness (L-value) at 3 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Mean PGA and satisfaction were significantly lower at the FLT side (P<0.001). PhGA, melanin index, and L-value showed a significant worsening of hyperpigmentation at the FLT side. At the TTT side, no significant change was observed. At 6 months follow-up, most patients preferred TTT. Side effects of FLT were erythema, burning sensation, edema, and pain. Nine patients (31%) developed PIH after two or more laser sessions. Side effects of TTT were erythema, burning sensation, and scaling. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high rate of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser at 15 mJ/microbeam is not recommendable in the treatment of melasma. TTT remains the gold standard treatment.