The Role of Lasers in Connective Tissue and Inflammatory Dermatoses: A 10-Year Retrospective Review of 60 Patients in a UK Tertiary Laser Clinic.

Abstract

Introduction:

The role of lasers in the treatment of standard therapy-resistant inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders has been controversial and evidence supporting the role of lasers in this setting is scarce.

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of lasers in the management of inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders (CTD).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective case review of all inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue diseases treated in a tertiary laser clinic between March 2010 and 2020 was undertaken.

Results:

A total of 60 cases (48 = female) were included and the average age was 51 years (range 21 to 74). The following conditions were treated: scleroderma n = 22 (37%), granuloma faciale n = 10 (17%), sarcoidosis n = 8 (13%), discoid lupus erythematosus n = 7 (12%), and systemic lupus erythematosus n = 2 (3%). Other diagnoses included necrobiosis lipoidica, pyoderma vegetans, hypertrophic lichen planus, and dermatomyositis. The most common type of laser used was pulsed dye laser (PDL) in n = 41 (68%) cases. Eight (13%) patients received treatment with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The most common site treated was the face. A good response with a marked reduction of signs was seen in 62% of patients while 10% of the patients did not respond to laser treatment. Self-limiting complications included purpura and hyperpigmentation.

Limitations:

Lack of objective assessment and outcome measures.

Conclusions:

This is the largest cohort of patients to have undergone laser treatment for inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue disease. Based on this retrospective review, we conclude that lasers can be a useful adjunct in the management of otherwise difficult-to-treat selected inflammatory and connective tissue diseases.

• Authors: Leila Asfour, Dina Ismail, Vishal Madan
• Journal: Indian dermatology online journal (Indian Dermatol Online J) 2023 Sep-Oct Vol. 14 Issue 5 Pg. 616-623 ISSN: 2229-5178 [Print] India
• PMID: 37727556 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright: © 2023 Indian Dermatology Online Journal.