Pulsed Dye Laser in the Treatment of Localized Scleroderma and Its Effects on CD34+ and Factor XIIIa+ Cells: An Immunohistochemical Study.

Background: Localized scleroderma (morphea) is characterized by hardening and thickening of the dermis due to excessive collagen deposition. A decreased number of CD34+ cells and an increased number of Factor XIIIa+ cells are seen in the affected skin. The flashlamp pulsed dye laser (FLPDL) has been used in the treatment of localized morphea with promising results. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the pulsed dye laser in localized scleroderma and to assess its effect on CD34+ cells, Factor XIIIa+ cells, and blood vessels. Study Design: Thirty patients with plaque morphea were treated with a FLPDL (585 nm wavelength, 450 μs pulse duration). Fluence ranged from 7.5 to 8.5 J/cm. Sessions were performed biweekly for a maximum of 6 months. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical assessments were performed. Results: Patients showed varying degrees of improvement of indurated skin. There was no worsening or further improvement at the treated sites during the follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months. An increased number of CD34+ cells were found in both the upper and the lower dermis, and a decreased number of Factor XIIIa+ cells were found in the lower dermis. Conclusion: The FLPDL is effective in the treatment of morphea, as confirmed by the changes in the pathologic tissue and levels of CD34+ and Factor XIIIa+ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]