These articles have been accepted for publication in the British Journal of Dermatology and are currently being edited and typeset. Readers should note that articles published below have been fully refereed, but have not been through the copy-editing and proof correction process. Wiley-Blackwell and the British Association of Dermatologists cannot be held responsible for errors or consequences arising from the use of information contained in these articles; nor do the views and opinions expressed necessarily reflect those of Wiley-Blackwell or the British Association of Dermatologists This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Article Type: Original Article Q-switched laser depigmentation in vitiligo; most effective in active disease L. Komen, L. Zwertbroek, S.J. Burger, J.P.W. van der Veen, M.A. de Rie, A. Wolkerstorfer Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders (SNIP), Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Corresponding author: Lisa Komen, MD The Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders (SNIP) Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands Telephone number: +3120 566 67192 Fax number: +3120 5669 079 e-mail: [email protected]

Bulleted statements What's already known about this topic? Small studies and case reports with a limited follow-up indicate that Q-switched lasers are an effective and safe depigmentation therapy in widespread vitiligo patients.

What does this study add? The results of our study suggest that depigmentation treatment with the Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser is effective in approximately half of the vitiligo patients treated. Our

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. study is the first to show that patients with an active vitiligo have significantly better results than patients with a stable disease.

Abstract Background In widespread vitiligo, when repigmentation therapies are no longer feasible, Q-switched lasers can be used to remove the remaining disfiguring pigmentation. However, little literature is available on the long term effects of Qswitched laser treatment in vitiligo patients and the variables influencing the effect of treatment are unknown. Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness, safety, and patients’ satisfaction of Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser induced depigmentation in widespread vitiligo. Methods We performed a retrospective study on well-documented vitiligo patients with widespread lesions who received depigmentation therapy with the QSR laser between 2000 and 2012 in our institute. Eligible patients were asked to visit our institute for assessment of depigmentation and to fill in a questionnaire on patients’ satisfaction and disease variables. Results After a mean follow-up of 13 months 48% of the 27 included patients showed >75% depigmentation. Patients with an active disease at the time of treatment had significantly better results than patients with a stable disease (p

Q-switched laser depigmentation in vitiligo, most effective in active disease.

In widespread vitiligo, when repigmentation therapies are no longer feasible, Q-switched lasers can be used to remove the remaining disfiguring pigmen...
278KB Sizes 0 Downloads 0 Views