Single and Double Pass Pulsed Dye Laser for the Treatment of Port Wine Stain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Port wine stain (PWS) is a low flow vascular malformation. The gold standard treatment for PWS in childhood is pulsed dye laser (PDL).There is very little evidence in literature regarding comparison of single pass versus double pass pulsed dye laser in achieving clearance of these capillary malformations. We did a randomized controlled trial to compare outcome of single-pass versus double-pass pulsed dye laser for management of PWS. Methodology: This randomized study trial was performed at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center/AIMC Lahore, from Jan 2019 to Dec 2019. Sample size of 30 patients was divided into 2 groups (15 patients in each group). Group A was given single pass of pulsed dye laser and patients in group B were subjected to double pass of pulsed dye laser (595nm wavelength, 7mm spot size, pulse width from 2-6ms and radiant exposure of 4-12 J/cm2). Total no of 4 sessions were done with period of 3 weeks between each session and the results were analyzed after 3 months of the last session. Results: The mean of the patient's age was 17±8 years and the mean of time since lesion appeared was 16±8 years. Nineteen participants (63%) were females. Most of the patients (83%) had PWS on face and neck. Double pass PDL was effective in 40% of patients and single pass PDL in 20% (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Double pass is more effective in treating port wine stain as compared to single pass pulsed dye laser.