The Efficacy of Hematoporphyrin Monomethyl Ether Photodynamic Therapy in Adult Patients with Port-Wine Stains: A Retrospective Study
Xinyu Zhang, Najwa Al‐Odaini, Runge Fan, Hong-di Xiong, Jia-can Huang, Hong-mei Dai, Yan-hua Zhou, Xiu-yin Huang, Sijian Wen
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether-photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) has been showing promising results in the treatment of port-wine stains (PWSs). We evaluated the clinical efficacy and treatment response of HMME-PDT in adult Chinese patients with PWSs. METHODS: for 20-25 min. Digital photographs were taken before and after two therapy sessions and observed by three blinded dermatologists for clinical response. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients aged between 18 and 55 years were recruited. There were 65 patients of the flat purple type, 5 of the hypertrophic type, and 2 of the nodular thickening type. Of the 65 patients, 7 showed excellent efficacy (10.77%), 13 patients indicated good efficacy (20.00%), 47 patients showed fair efficacy (64.62%), while 3 cases displayed no improvement (4.62%). All five patients of the purple and hypertrophic type showed fair efficacy (100%), and no improvement was observed in patients of the nodular thickening type (100%). Pain, pruritus, and a burning sensation were observed during treatment. Edema was noted on the treated areas post-treatment. No other obvious systemic adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: HMME-PDT is an effective and safe treatment for adult patients with purple PWSs. Multiple HMME-PDT treatments can improve the response and cure rate.