Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety Profile of Long-Pulsed 1064 Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser in Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation in Darker Skin Types

Abstract

Introduction

A prospective, interventional study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of vascular lesions in the darker skin patients of Fitzpatrick skin type IV and V.

Materials and method

The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Institutional ethical committee permission was obtained before starting the study. Twenty-nine patients presenting with vascular lesions were enrolled in the study. The patients were called once a month for sessions for six months. Clinician Global Impression (CGI) scores were used for evaluation. We followed a “per protocol” analysis.

Results

Of the 29 patients we enrolled, three dropped out for various logistic reasons, and 26 patients completed their treatment. After six months of follow-up of the 26 patients who completed their treatment, 12 (46.15%) had shown complete healing (CGI = 4, 70%-100% improvement in lesions). The rest of the 14 (53.84%) patients showed good improvement (CG1 = 3, reduction of 50%-70% of lesions). No permanent side effects were noted.

Conclusion

Long-pulsed 1064 Nd:YAG laser proves to be an effective treatment for hemangioma and vascular malformation in darker skin patients with its major advantages of being a safe, well-tolerated, cost-effective procedure with minimal downtime and minimal side effects.