Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Telangiectasias of the lower extremities are very common. There are no blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing laser modalities with the gold standard sclerotherapy, while the few available studies encompass small patients cohorts. OBJECTIVE: PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six female patients with primary leg telangiectasias and reticular veins (C1A or SEpAS1PN) were included in the study. One leg was randomly assigned to get treatment with the multiple synchronized long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, while the other received foam sclerotherapy with polidocanol 0.5%. The patients were treated in two sessions at intervals of 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated by the handling physician after 6 weeks and 6 months. Two investigators assessed blindly at the end of the study the photographs for clearing of the vessels using a six-point scale from 1 (no change) to 6 (100% cleared). Patients reported about pain sensation and outcome satisfaction. RESULTS: According to the handling dermatologist, at the last follow-up, there was an improvement of 30-40% with a median of 3 (IQR 2) and a good improvement of 50-70% with a median of 4 (IQR 2) after laser treatment and sclerotherapy respectively. In contrast, according to the blinded investigators, there was a median of 5 (IQR 1) with a very good improvement of >70% after both therapies. Improvement was achieved more quickly by sclerotherapy, although at the last follow-up visit there was no difference in clearance between the two groups as assessed by the blinded experts (P-value 0.84). The degree of patient's satisfaction was very good and similar with both therapeutic approaches. There was a significant difference (P-value 0.003) regarding pain perception between the types of therapy. Laser was felt more painful than sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | B Parlar, C Blazek, S Cazzaniga, L Naldi, H W Kloetgen, L Borradori, U Buettiker |
Journal | Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
(J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol)
Vol. 29
Issue 3
Pg. 549-54
(Mar 2015)
ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 25069999
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Copyright | © 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Humans
- Laser Therapy
- Leg
(blood supply)
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Sclerotherapy
- Telangiectasis
(therapy)
- Young Adult
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