Nonablative fractional photothermolysis for facial actinic keratoses: 6-month follow-up with histologic evaluation - 28/07/11
![](/templates/common/images/mail.png)
![](/templates/common/images/entites/lowast.gif)
Abstract |
Background |
A number of epidermal and papillary dermal skin conditions can be treated safely and effectively with fractional photothermolysis (FP).
Objective |
We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of FP with a 1550-nm fractionated erbium-doped fiber laser for the treatment of facial actinic keratoses (AKs).
Methods |
Fourteen men, ages 59 to 79 years, underwent 5 laser treatments (2- to 4-week intervals) at an energy fluence of 20 to 70 mJ and treatment level of 11 (8-10 passes), corresponding to 32% to 40% surface area coverage. AK counts and photographs were taken at baseline, before each treatment, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups after the last treatment. Biopsies were performed at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up. The clinical improvement of the actinic lesions was evaluated by a dermatologist using digital photography and lesion counts at all 3 follow-up visits.
Results |
The AK count for each patient was reduced on average by 73.1% (67.5%-77.7%) at the 1-month, 66.2% (60.0%-71.5%) at the 3-month, and 55.6% (43.9%-64.8%) at the 6-month follow-up visit. Excluding two cases, all biopsy specimens (baseline and at the 3-month follow-up) were positive for histologic features of AK and/or squamous cell carcinoma.
Limitations |
This study is limited by a small number of patients; therefore further clinical studies are warranted.
Conclusions |
FP decreases the number of clinical AKs; however, posttreatment biopsy specimens indicate the histologic persistence of AKs (epidermal tumors). FP is not an adequate single-treatment modality for AKs.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : actinic keratosis, fractional photothermolysis, Fraxel, laser, 1550-nm fractionated erbium-doped fiber laser
Abbreviations used : AK, ALA, CO2, FP, MTZ, PDT, SCC
Plan
Funding sources: Solta Medical, manufacturer of the instrument evaluated in this study, provided a research grant to DermSurgery Associates. |
|
Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 65 - N° 2
P. 349-356 - août 2011 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?