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Biomedical subjects

C Raulin

Publications and source records attributed to C Raulin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

["Folie a deux" in the age of lasers].

We report on a 59-year-old teacher suffering for approximately 5 years from multiple dermatological changes, some of which are artificially induced and some of which are imaginary. The patient believes these manifestations are the result of neighbors shooting at her with lasers. Her husband is also convinced of the veracity of these impressions. We interpret her notion of almost daily laser attacks to a skin-related paranoid/hallucinatory psychosis with the involvement of her husband in a "folie à deux".

Delusions↗

The effect of cold air cooling on 585 nm pulsed dye laser treatment of port-wine stains.

BACKGROUND: The use of cryogen spray cooling in the course of dye laser treatment of port-wine stains has established itself in recent years because of its good analgesic and epidermally protective effects. The disadvantages of this kind of evaporative cooling are the cost and, in the case of dichlorodifluoromethane, the effects on the ozone layer. Cold air is an innovative cooling method that costs nearly nothing to use, is environmentally friendly, and can be easily adapted to existing laser systems. OBJECTIVE: To examine and evaluate cold air cooling as an alternative method of cooling in laser treatment. METHODS: In a prospective study, 13 patients (9 female, 4 male) with port-wine stains were treated with a pulsed dye laser (lambda = 585 nm, tau(p) = 450 microsec). In every case, either the entire area or a sample area of the port-wine stain was treated with cold air cooling on 50% of the surface and without on the other 50%. Clearance, analgesia, and adverse and concomitant effects were assessed. RESULTS: In nine patients (69%) there were similar results in terms of clearance. In four cases, better lightening results (in two patients) and worse lightening results (in two other patients) were achieved in the area treated with cold air. Nine of the patients (69%) felt that the laser impulses accompanied by cold air were significantly less painful. Adverse effects (purpura, erythema, edema) and concomitant effects (hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scars) were much less marked in the cooled areas. CONCLUSION: Cold air is a safe and effective alternative to cryogen spray cooling. It is easy to use, economical, and environmentally friendly. Continuing studies are necessary to determine if there are interactions which affect the tissue.

Adolescent↗

Cold air in laser therapy: first experiences with a new cooling system.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Analgesic cooling technologies are firmly established in dermatologic laser therapy. We present cold air as a novel method of cooling and compare it with those methods that are already in use. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 166 patients with the diagnoses hypertrichosis, port wine stains, hemangioma, essential telangiectasias, and tattoos with different laser systems (long-pulsed alexandrite laser [LPIR], pulsed dye laser, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, Q-switched ruby laser). In a prospective study, we collected data about the analgesia of the cooling method and the thermal protection of the epidermis (reduction of the extent and duration of erythema, purpura, blisters, hyper-/hypopigmentations, edemas, crusting), compared with the cooling method with ice gel. Additionally, we measured air and skin temperatures with an infrared thermometer at different application modalities. RESULTS: Three percent of the treated patients refused the cold air therapy altogether. Eleven percent found that it was as good as the other cooling methods; 86% clearly preferred the cold air therapy. Leaving out the perinasal area, the percentage rises to 97%. On average, the analgesic effect was by 37% better than through cooling with ice gel. The increased thermal protection of the epidermis made it possible to use laser energy levels that were higher by 15-30% and, at the same time, to reduce the rate of side effects (in 63% of the patients erythema persisted for a shorter period, in 70% the purpura was reduced, 83% had less crusting). CONCLUSION: In dermatologic laser therapy, the use of cold air in analgesia can be considered as an effective, inexpensive, and well-accepted (by both patients and doctors) alternative to currently applied cooling methods. Nevertheless, further prospective studies are necessary to determine whether treatment results can really be improved by using higher laser energy levels.

Air↗

[The neodymium YAG laser: its application in dermatology].

The neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet-(Nd:YAG) laser is one of the most versatile and interesting lasers in dermatological laser medicine. Almost no other laser has such a wide spectrum of applications. Depending on wave length (1064 nm, frequency-doubled 532 nm) and mode (continuous, Q-switched, long-pulsed), benign pigmented lesions (tattoos, traumatic tattoos, naevus of Ota, cafe-au-lait-macules, lentigines) and vascular lesions (hemangiomas, portwine stains, essential teleangiectasias, angiomas) can be treated. Additionally this laser has been occasionally used to remove Kaposi sarcomas and epithelial skin tumors.

Adult↗

[Laser therapy in dermatology and esthetic medicine. Side effects, complications and treatment errors].

Many different laser systems are used in dermatology. To wisely choose the correct laser for a given problem, one must be aware of both the spectrum of disorders for which each laser is suited and the potential side effects. We compare the side effect and complication profiles of the common laser systems pointing out their possibilities and limitations. Typical treatment errors will be pointed out. Dermatological training, extensive experience in laser therapy and compliance with quality guidelines are prerequisites for safe and successful treatment.

Humans↗

[Current status of photoepilation].

During the last few years the fast development of different laser and laser-like systems for photoepilation and their one-sided representation in media has led to confusion among physicians and patients. The object of this review is to give a structured report of different pulsed laser and laser-like systems (Epilight, Photoderm, long-pulsed ruby-, alexandrite- and diodelaser) that are available in Germany, including their side effects and complications. The current status of scientific investigation in this field is discussed.

Equipment Design↗

Temporary hair loss using the long-pulsed alexandrite laser at 20 milliseconds.

Facial hypertrichosis presents an enormous psychological burden for women. Temporary hair removal (waxing, plucking, etc.) and electrolysis are prolonged and unsatisfactory methods of treatment. For a few years several laser systems with varying wavelengths, pulse durations and energy fluences have been used successfully in laser epilation. In the retrospective study on hand, we report on results of 30 female patients with hypertrichosis in the facial area treated with the long pulse alexandrite laser at 20 msec (Cynosure PhotoGenica LPIR/Apogee; 755 nm; 20 msec; up to 30 J/cm2; 10 or 12.5 mm beam diameter) over an 18 month treatment period. After an average of 8 treatments, an average clearance rate of 75% could be achieved. Fair hair (white/blond/red) only showed a clearance rate of 10%. Hypo- and hyperpigmentation did not appear. The most frequent adverse effects were the occasional appearance of scattered crusting (17%), which healed without consequences, and folliculitis (13%). The average post-treatment observation time lasted 3.25 months. The long-pulsed alexandrite laser at a pulse duration of 20 msec is an effective and safe method of treatment of hypertrichosis in the facial region of women. Black hair responds considerably better to the laser treatment than fair hair. A longer post-treatment observation time is necessary, though, in order to provide evidence for the permanence of the success of the method.

Adult↗

Treatment of port-wine stains with a noncoherent pulsed light source: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether a noncoherent intense pulsed light source (IPLS) would be effective in therapy of port-wine stains (PWSs). DESIGN: To evaluate the efficacy in treatment of PWSs with IPLS, a retrospective study was initiated. SETTING: The data were collected by physicians working in private practices and departments of university hospitals and medical centers, respectively. PATIENTS: A total of 37 randomly selected patients with a total of 40 PWSs were included in the study. Clinical PWS characteristics recorded were color and location of the PWS. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with IPLS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data collected included treatment parameter (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), percentage of clearance, and side effects (purpura, blisters, crusting, altered pigmentation, and scarring). RESULTS: Good and complete (70%-100%) clearance was achieved in 28 of 40 PWSs treated with IPLS. The average number of treatment sessions in PWSs reaching 100% clearance included 4.0 for pink PWSs and 1.5 for red PWSs. The average number of sessions for purple PWSs reaching good clearance (70%-99%) was 4.2 sessions. Parameters used most frequently were 515- and 550-nm cut-off filters, pulse duration of 2.5 to 5.0 milliseconds, and fluences of 24 to 60 J/cm2. Side effects included purpura in 133 (76%), superficial blisters in 14 (8%), and crusting in 35 (20%). Transient pigmentation changes were seen in 10.8% of patients (hypopigmentation in 3 [8.1%], hyperpigmentation in 1 [2.7%]). No scarring was observed. CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light source presents an effective and safe method for treating PWSs, especially purple PWSs.

Adolescent↗

Xanthelasma palpebrarum: treatment with the ultrapulsed CO2 laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Due to its delicate location near the eye and the high recurrence rate, the therapy of xanthelasma palpebrarum is a difficult surgical task. Besides chemical, physical, and surgical procedures, various laser systems have been used to treat these lesions (argon laser, pulsed dye laser, and CO2 laser). This study was designed to critically evaluate the use of the ultrapulsed CO2 laser for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report about the standardized treatment of 23 patients (52 periorbital xanthelasmas) and the results obtained after one treatment with a new generation, ultrapulsed CO2 laser (COHERENT Ultrapulse 5000C, Palo Alto, CA; 250-500 mJ; 600-900 microsec; 10,600 nm). The followup time was 10 months. RESULTS: All lesions could be removed completely with a single laser treatment. As for side effects, only transient pigmental changes (4% hyperpigmentations, 13% hypopigmentations) and no visible scarring was observed. Three patients (13%) developed a recurrence of xanthelasma. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrapulsed CO2 laser is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative to the hitherto described approaches.

Adult↗

Treatment of venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology provides an innovative concept in the treatment of vascular lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of IPLS in the treatment of venous malformations. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 11 patients with venous malformations (VMA) treated with IPLS was initiated. Clinical VMA characteristics recorded were size and location. Data collected included treatment parameters (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), % clearance, and side effects (e.g., swelling, blisters, crusting, pain, altered pigmentation, and scarring). RESULTS: Good and very good (70-100%) clearance was achieved in 8 malformations smaller than 100 cm(2). Especially small lesions needed only 2-3 treatments. Three VMA larger than 100 cm(2) could be cleared well in an average of 18 sessions. The most frequently used parameters were the 590 nm filter in long pulse mode, triple pulses, and fluences at an average of 80.4 J/cm(2). Side effects included prolonged erythema in 23.6, swelling in 17.9%, crusting in 4.7%. Bleeding, hypo-, hyperpigmentation, and scarring were rare (0.9% respectively). CONCLUSION: IPLS presents an effective method for treating VMA, especially small malformations, with a justifiable rate of side effects when optimal parameters are chosen.

Adolescent↗

[Tattoo removal Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). A retrospective study].

In a retrospective study 47 patients with 68 amateur and 25 professional tattoos were examined, considering clearance of tattoo pigments and the frequency of side effects after finished treatments with the Q-switched ruby (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). Black amateur tattoos were found to lighten faster than professional tattoos (13.2 and 18.6 treatments respectively). For the clearance of multicolored tattoos (amateur or professional), similar numbers of laser treatments were needed. Green pigments were removed with the Q-switched ruby laser and red pigments with the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Compared to the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), the Q-switched ruby laser and the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) more often caused blistering and transient hypopigmentation (5.4% and 7.5% vs. 1.1% (blisters); 8.6% and 15.1% vs. 4.3% (hypopigmentation).

Adult↗

[Pulsed laser in scar treatment].

Pulsed laser systems such as pulsed CO2, Q-switched Er:YAG, ruby and alexandrite lasers provide good therapeutic options in therapy of scars and keloids. The use of these laser systems is compared to non-surgical and surgical methods.

Cicatrix↗

[Extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus - treatment with pulsed dye laser].

A 17-year old female patient with extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus was treated with the pulsed dye laser. Local and systemic therapy before treatment showed no effect. The lesions were removed completely with four treatment sessions. As for side effects, no pigment changes and no visible scarring was observed. The patient experienced no recurrence within a follow-up time of 7 months. The mechanism whereby lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is altered by the pulsed dye laser is unknown.

Adolescent↗

[Current status of laser therapy of hemangioma in infants. Case reports and review of the literature].

Today the management of hemangiomas is still a great challenge for physicians, even for the most experienced of clinicians. With the introduction of lasers, new ways of treating hemangiomas have been found. Four case reports document the importance of early treatment. In addition, the differentiated use of various laser systems and their effects, limitations, and side effects are shown and discussed.

Child↗

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus-treatment with pulsed dye laser.

Because of its vascular selectivity, the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm) is efficacious in the treatment of vascular lesions and is successfully used for the treatment of port-wine stains and haemangiomas in children. Based on the encouraging results with these cutaneous vascular disorders, the cutaneous lesions of patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) have now also been treated with the pulsed dye laser. Cutaneous lesions in lupus erythematosus are often difficult to treat with readily available local therapeutic methods. We report here on a group of 12 patients whose LE lesions were treated with the pulsed dye laser. In 10 patients, the LE was limited to the skin, while two patients had systemic LE (SLE). Even in the two patients with SLE, a significant improvement of skin lesions was achieved. After a mean number of 51 laser sessions, a median clearance rate of 70% was attained for nine patients. In one case, the laser treatment failed to clear the lesions. Two patients did not show any visible improvement of the lesions, but pain and itching were significantly reduced. There were few side-effects. No prolonged laser-induced scarring occurred and in only two patients was hyperpigmentation seen, which had resolved completely after 4 and 5 months, respectively. During a median follow-up of 7 months (range: 3-32 months), only one patient (after a complete clearance of the skin lesions) had a small relapse. In summary, the pulsed dye laser is an effective therapy for the treatment of superficial skin lesions in LE.

Adult↗

Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous hyperpigmentations are well-documented, but nevertheless rare side-effects of high-dose or long-term minocycline therapy. The pigmental changes, may last for years, even though therapy has been abrogated. To date, no safe and effective therapy has been described to target this cosmetically disturbing sequela. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 57-year-old female patient with extensive pigmental changes of the face due to long-term minocycline therapy was treated in eight consecutive sessions with the Q-switched Nd:YAG-laser (1,064-nm wavelength, 5- to 7-nsec impulse length). RESULTS: A 90% resolution of the pigmentation could be achieved after five treatments. After the last session the lesions were completely gone; no hypopigmentation scars, or other side-effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser seems to be an effective, safe, and easily applicable strategy for the therapy of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentations.

Aluminum Silicates↗

[Removal of dirt tattooing with Q-switched laser].

In present times treatment of traumatic tattoos with Q-switched laser systems is an alternative to conventional therapy. In our study, 19 patients were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser, including 4 patients with explosive trauma and 2 after pointed pencil penetration. One patient was treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG-laser, while we tried both systems on another one. Pigmentation after abrasive trauma is easily removed or improved. Deeper penetration of foreign bodies demands more intensive and more frequent therapy. Immediate removal of foreign bodies after an accident is the best treatment.

Adolescent↗