Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences - Department of Laser Application in Medical and Biological

Background: Angiogenesis play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Based on selective photothermolysis destruction of dilated blood vessels, a major component of psoriatic dermal papillae, can be achieved upon treatment with vascular lasers. Objective: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of a 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and its sequential application with Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with chronic and stable plaque type psoriasis were included in this study. Patients received seven PDL and combined PDL and Nd: YAG laser treatment sessions at two week-intervals. Clinical evaluation of the studied psoriatic plaques was performed by the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (mPASI) score and by photographs. Results: Both types of lasers induced a noticeable decrease in (mPASI) scores. The decrease was statistically significant with combined PDL and Nd:YAG laser versus PDL alone when compared with baseline (p< 0.05). Some plaques that had received the combined modality showed complete clearance at the 12th and 14th week. Conclusion: The sequential application of PDL followed by Nd: YAG laser (multiplex) could be more promising than PDL alone in the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Issued also as CD