THE ROLE OF LASER THERMOTHERAPY AND THE PARAMETERS OF LOCAL HEMODYNAMICS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFANT HEMANGIOMAS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the location of laser thermotherapy in the treatment of infant hemangiomas of the head and neck, and to find the optimal treatment technology for this disease. Methods. We observed 1466 children aged 9 days to 6 years with infant hemangiomas of the head and neck. An infrared diode laser with a wavelength of 0.97 μm, propranolol with an individual dose selection and a combination of these methods were used during the treatment. Local hemodynamics of infant hemangiomas was studied by ultrasound, as well as using thermal imaging, optical spectroscopy and percutaneous measurement of oxygen tension. Results. With intensive local hemodynamics monotherapy with in infant hemangiomas was insufficient. Combination of propranolol and laser thermotherapy was more effective. Conclusions. Combined therapy of infant hemangiomas allowed a two-fold reduction in the duration of use of propranolol and a three-fold reduction in the frequency of repeated sessions of laser thermotherapy. Overall, excellent and good results were obtained in 97.5 % of patients. Satisfactory results with the formation of cosmetic defects requiring further therapy were caused by delayed treatment after the already occurring complications, especially ulcers.