Analysis of related factors affecting hemoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy for port‐wine stain: A retrospective study

Abstract Background Hemoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME‐PDT) is currently considered one of the most promising therapies for port‐wine stain (PWS). However, the efficacy of this is very variable and needs further studies. Methods A total of 101 patients with PWS in the face, neck, or extremities who received at least 2 HMME‐PDT sessions were included in the study, and correlations of efficacy with age, gender, locations, treatment sessions, and PDL treatment history were analyzed. Results The efficacy of HMME‐PDT in patients with different ages, locations, and different numbers of prior PDL treatment showed constantly significant differences after 1/2/last session ( p < .05). The number of treatments was associated with efficacy, and patients who received more than two sessions had a better response than those who underwent two sessions only ( p < .001). Ordinal logistic regression analysis confirmed the above‐mentioned associations. Nevertheless, patients of different sex, subtype, and lesion size showed no significant differences. Conclusions Our studies demonstrated that HMME‐PDT is effective in the treatment of PWS. The more prior PDL treatments, older age, lips involvement, PWS on limbs were adverse factors for Hemoporfin‐PDT, while multiple HMME‐PDT sessions can improve effective and response rate. Besides, ambient temperature and lesions temperature should be concerned, local cooling provides some relief from pain but may influence effect.