Efficacy and safety of hemoporfin photodynamic therapy for port-wine stains in paediatric patients: A retrospective study of 439 cases at a single centre.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although hemoporfin photodynamic therapy is a promising treatment approach for port-wine stains, its efficacy in children has not been sufficiently assessed. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach in a paediatric population.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analysed the medical records of 439 children with port-wine stains receiving hemoporfin photodynamic therapy at our institution from July 2017 to January 2020. They received intravenous hemoporfin (hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether, 5 mg/kg), followed by lesion irradiation with a 532-nm green LED light for 20-25 min. The stains' blanching degree and occurrence of adverse events were registered.

RESULTS:

Overall, 95.2% of patients showed an 'effective response' (>20% fading) and 74.3% showed almost-complete resolution and great improvement (≥60% fading). Red and pink lesions showed better response than purple lesions (P < 0.05). Neck and facial lesions showed better response than the trunk and extremity lesions (P < 0.05). The response of the patients to the PDT showed a cumulative effect of the treatment session. No photosensitivity or systemic adverse reactions were observed. Transient local adverse effects included swelling, purpura, crusts, and pigmentation, which resolved without treatment. Only 2% of children had permanent scars, likely related to scratching crusts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hemoporfin photodynamic therapy was well tolerated and effective in paediatric Chinese patients with port-wine stains. It could be recommended as the first choice, over pulsed-dye laser therapy, for treating port-wine stains, particularly for large lesions. This should be evaluated in direct clinical trials.

• Authors: Tan Chun-Hua, Gan Li-Qiang, Wang Hua, Zhang Jian, Ni Si-Li, Liu Li, Wan Yi, Li Can, Luo Xiao-Yan, Wei Guang-Hui
• Journal: Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy (Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther) Vol. 36 Pg. 102568 (Dec 2021) ISSN: 1873-1597 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 34614424 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Hematoporphyrins
• Photosensitizing Agents
• hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether

Topics

• Child
• Hematoporphyrins
• Humans
• Photochemotherapy (methods)
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Port-Wine Stain (drug therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome