Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid with intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light for photodamage in Chinese patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

It has been suggested that the adjunctive use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with intense pulsed light (IPL), known as ALA-IPL photodynamic therapy (PDT), increases the benefits of IPL therapy for photoaging.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ALA-IPL PDT for photoaging in Chinese subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV.

METHOD:

This was a prospective, controlled, split-face study with 26 subjects. Subjects received three split-face treatments 4 weeks apart. A blinded investigator assessed the signs of photodamage. Satisfaction was also assessed.

RESULT:

Twenty-four subjects completed the trial. Better results were achieved for global score, fine lines, and coarse wrinkles on the PDT/IPL treated side than on the IPL-only side at the final visit (50% vs 12.5%p=.005 for global score, 70.8% vs 33.3%p=.009 for fine lines, 50% vs. 12.5%, p=.005 for coarse wrinkles). Phototoxic reactions such as erythema and edema were the primary side effects, as well as an increase in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

CONCLUSION:

ALA-IPL PDT has superior rejuvenation effects over IPL alone in Chinese subjects. Taking reasonable precaution to prevent the postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is the most important point in making ALA-IPL PDT a successful therapy.

• Authors: Zhou Xi, Yan Shuxian, Lu Zhong, Qian Hui, Wang Yan, Ding Huilin, Xiang Leihong, Michael H Gold
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 37 Issue 1 Pg. 31-40 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20849542 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2010 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aminolevulinic Acid (administration & dosage)
• China
• Double-Blind Method
• Facial Dermatoses (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy (methods)
• Photosensitizing Agents (administration & dosage)
• Pigmentation Disorders (drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Skin Aging
• Treatment Outcome