TY - JOUR
T1 - Q-switched laser depigmentation in vitiligo, most effective in active disease
AU - Komen, L.
AU - Zwertbroek, L.
AU - Burger, S. J.
AU - van der Veen, J. P. W.
AU - de Rie, M. A.
AU - Wolkerstorfer, A.
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - In widespread vitiligo, when repigmentation therapies are no longer feasible, Q-switched lasers can be used to remove the remaining disfiguring pigmentation. However, little literature is available on the long-term effects of Q-switched laser treatment in patients with vitiligo, and the variables influencing the effect of treatment are unknown. To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction of Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser-induced depigmentation in widespread vitiligo. We performed a retrospective study on well-documented patients with vitiligo with widespread lesions who received depigmentation therapy with the QSR laser between 2000 and 2012 in our institute. Eligible patients were asked to visit our institute for assessment of depigmentation and to fill in a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and disease variables. After a mean follow-up of 13 months, 48% of the 27 included patients showed > 75% depigmentation. Patients with active disease at the time of treatment had significantly better results than patients with stable disease (P < 0·05). Twenty-three (85%) patients were satisfied after treatment. Eighteen patients (67%) reported temporary side-effects after treatment. None of the patients reported adverse effects, such as scars or infections. Q-switched ruby laser therapy is effective in approximately half of patients treated; it is a safe treatment with a high patient satisfaction. Patients with active vitiligo show better results after treatment than patients with stable vitiligo. Therefore, in patients with stable vitiligo resistant to trial treatment, we advise postponing treatment until their vitiligo becomes active
AB - In widespread vitiligo, when repigmentation therapies are no longer feasible, Q-switched lasers can be used to remove the remaining disfiguring pigmentation. However, little literature is available on the long-term effects of Q-switched laser treatment in patients with vitiligo, and the variables influencing the effect of treatment are unknown. To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction of Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser-induced depigmentation in widespread vitiligo. We performed a retrospective study on well-documented patients with vitiligo with widespread lesions who received depigmentation therapy with the QSR laser between 2000 and 2012 in our institute. Eligible patients were asked to visit our institute for assessment of depigmentation and to fill in a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and disease variables. After a mean follow-up of 13 months, 48% of the 27 included patients showed > 75% depigmentation. Patients with active disease at the time of treatment had significantly better results than patients with stable disease (P < 0·05). Twenty-three (85%) patients were satisfied after treatment. Eighteen patients (67%) reported temporary side-effects after treatment. None of the patients reported adverse effects, such as scars or infections. Q-switched ruby laser therapy is effective in approximately half of patients treated; it is a safe treatment with a high patient satisfaction. Patients with active vitiligo show better results after treatment than patients with stable vitiligo. Therefore, in patients with stable vitiligo resistant to trial treatment, we advise postponing treatment until their vitiligo becomes active
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.12571
DO - https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.12571
M3 - Article
C2 - 23909405
SN - 0007-0963
VL - 169
SP - 1246
EP - 1251
JO - British Journal of Dermatology
JF - British Journal of Dermatology
IS - 6
ER -