Retrospective analysis of the correlation between dermoscopic vascular features and the response to hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy in previously untreated children with port wine stains

Abstract

Background: Port wine stains (PWS) are congenital capillary malformations that affect the quality of life for children. Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality for patients with PWS. However, the variability in the clinical efficacy of HMME-PDT has necessitated further investigations into the factors influencing the therapeutic efficacy of this modality.

Objectives: To explore the correlation between dermoscopic vascular features and the efficacy of HMME-PDT in previously untreated children with PWS.

Methods: Clinical data were collected from children with PWS who were treated with HMME-PDT. Correlations between clinical efficacy and gender, age, lesion location, lesion color and dermoscopic vascular features were analyzed retrospectively in previously untreated children with PWS.

Results: A total of 100 previously untreated children with PWS were enrolled, including 52 males and 48 females aged between 1 and 14 years. The efficacy of HMME-PDT differed significantly in relation to lesion location and color of the PWS (P < 0.05). Sausage-like vessels (66.67 %), dotted and globular vessels (87.50 %) and linear vessels (50.00 %) were associated with excellent treatment outcomes. Reticular vessels (65.00 %) showed improved outcomes. HMME-PDT was not effective in some cases with homogeneous reddish background (35.71 %) features. No serious adverse events and recurrences were observed following HMME-PDT.

Conclusion: The dermoscopic vascular features showed a significant correlation with the effectiveness of HMME-PDT in previously untreated children with PWS. Thus, the vascular features of PWS classified by dermoscopy can provide helpful clinical information to evaluate the efficacy of HMME-PDT and develop individualized treatment program for children with PWS.

Keywords: Children; Dermoscopy; Hemoporfin; Photodynamic therapy; Port wine stains.