Treatment of Leg Telangectasia Using Diode Laser 940nm in Iraqi Patients
Zeyad T. Al-Ani *
Department of Medicine, Ibn Sina College of Medicine, Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Leg telangectasia is considered a medical and cosmetic problem. Although sclerotherapy is still the most effective treatment, its drawback like skin necrosis, phlebitis, allergy to sclerosing substance, telangectatic matting and phobia of injection often makes the physician to look for another modality of treatment. The property of a selective photothermolysis of laser to manage reticular vein on the legs is to be considered.
Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulsed diode laser 980nm in the treatment of leg telangectasia.
Patients and Method: This is an open therapeutic trial of a total of 15 female patients with 59 patches studied in a private clinic in Iraq-Baghdad from August 2013 to March 2014 after complete history was taken. Patients exposed to a session of pulsed diode laser and follow up after one month to evaluate the effectiveness of the laser by comparing images and to check if there is any side effects were studied. Some patients were exposed to a second session of laser after 8 weeks from the first one and followed again after 1 month.
Results: After the first session 25 patches (42.3%) showed complete clearance, 16 patches (27.1%) showed high clearance, 7 patches (11.8%) showed moderate clearance, 5 patches (8.4%) showed mild clearance, 3 patches (5%) showed no clearance. After the second session 16 patches (27.1%) which showed high clearance after first session became completely cleared except 2 patches remained the same, 7 patches (11.8%) which showed moderate clearance at first session became high clearance except two patches which remained the same as before, 5 patches (8.4%) which showed mild clearance after first session became complete clearance except 1 patch which remained the same, out of 3 patches (5%) which showed no clearance after first session, one of them moderately cleared and the other two showed no response as in the first session.
Conclusion: Leg telangectasia can be successfully treated with high power pulsed diode laser 940nm with a few side effects.
Keywords: Reticular vein, diode laser, sclerotherapy