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Clinical and echographic analysis of photodynamic therapy using methylaminolevulinate as sensitizer in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin
Author(s) -
Zane Cristina,
Capezzera Rossana,
Sala Raffaella,
Venturini Marina,
CalzavaraPinton Piergiacomo
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20470
Subject(s) - photoaging , medicine , dermatology , erythema , intense pulsed light , photodynamic therapy , hyperpigmentation , actinic keratosis , tolerability , adverse effect , pathology , organic chemistry , basal cell , chemistry
Background and Objective Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been previously investigated in the treatment of photodamaged skin. The aim was to assess efficacy and tolerability of methylaminolevulinate (MAL) as a substitute for ALA in PDT treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) and photoaging. Study Design/Materials and Methods Twenty patients with multiple ( n = 137) AKs and severe photodamage of the face were treated. Metvix® (Galderma, France) was applied under occlusion for 3 hours before exposure to 37 J/cm 2 of red light (Aklilite® CL 128, Photocure, Norway). Two treatments were given at monthly intervals. Results The clearance rate of AKs was 88.3%, and global score which we use to rate photoaging, mottled hyperpigmentation, fine lines, roughness, and sallowness of the skin showed improvement, but deep wrinkles, teleangiectasia, facial erythema, and sebaceous gland hypertrophy did not change. The treatments were well tolerated. High‐resolution echography showed an increase in skin thickness, pixels count and area, as well as a reduction of the subepidermal low‐echogenic band (SLEB) thickness. Conclusion MAL‐PDT is an effective treatment for multiple AKs. In addition, it improves clinical signs of photodamage of the surrounding skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:203–209, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.