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Ma W, Gao Q, Liu J, Zhong X, Xu T, Wu Q, Cheng Z, Luo N, Hao P. Efficacy and safety of laser-related therapy for melasma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:2910-2924. [PMID: 37737021 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melasma is a prevalent, persistent hyperpigmentation disorder that negatively affects the psychological health of patients. However, the treatment outcome remains unsatisfactory due to the complexity of pathogenesis, recurrence characteristics, and relatively high morbidity. OBJECTIVES To compare the performance of laser-related therapies in improving the melasma area severity index (MASI) score of melasma and the occurrence of adverse effects by network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS From the inception to November 2022, eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. Two investigators independently searched relevant studies from PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library database. RESULTS A total of 39 clinical studies with 1394 participants were eligible for enrollment. For efficacy, the NMA demonstrated that Q-switched Nd: YAG laser + topical medications (QSND+TM) was superior to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSND) [MD = -4.21 (-6.80, -1.63)], Er: YAG laser + topical medications (ERYL+TM) [MD = -3.52 (-6.84, -0.19)], and picosecond laser + topical medications (PICO+TM) [MD = -4.80 (-9.33, -0.27)]. The microneedling + topical medications (MN+TM) was superior to picosecond laser (PICO) [MD = -5.26 (-10.44, -0.08)] and topical medications (TM) [MD = -5.22 (-9.20, -1.23)]. The top five of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value (SUCRA) are Q-switched Nd:YAG laser + topical medications (QSND+TM 85.9%), oral tranexamic acid (oTA 80.1%), microneedling + topical medications (MN+TM 79.7%), Q-switched Nd:YAG laser + intense pulse light (QSND+IPL 78.9%), and fractional carbon dioxide laser + topical medications (FCDL+TM 70.5%). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the Qs-Nd:YAG laser with topical medications is the first choice for treating melasma according to the SUCRA value. Among the three treatment modalities, namely MN + TM, PICO, and TM, our recommendation favors MN+TM as the superior choice for enhancing the curative efficacy in melasma. However, the actual clinical choice should also take into account the adverse effects, the skin type of the patient, the duration of the disease, and other relevant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Ma
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhong
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinyao Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zilin Cheng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nana Luo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pingsheng Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Sarkar R, Handog EB, Das A, Bansal A, Macarayo MJ, Keshavmurthy V, Narayan V, Jagadeesan S, Pipo E, Ibaviosa GM, Podder I, Bansal S. Topical and Systemic Therapies in Melasma: A Systematic Review. Indian Dermatol Online J 2023; 14:769-781. [PMID: 38099013 PMCID: PMC10718129 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_490_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Melasma is an acquired disorder, which presents with well-demarcated, brown-colored hyperpigmented macules, commonly involving the sun-exposed areas such as the face. It is a chronic and distressing condition, affecting the patients' quality of life, and has been conventionally treated with "first-line" agents including hydroquinone (HQ) alone or as a part of a triple combination cream (TCC), while "second-line" options include chemical peels, and third line options include laser therapy. Materials and Methods A systematic search was performed for all topical and systemic treatments for melasma up till May 4, 2021, using the PubMed and EMBASE databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The search terms "melasma" and "treatment" were used to search for the relevant articles on both these databases, and a total of 4020 articles were identified. After removing the duplicate entries and screening the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, we identified 174 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials. Results Based on our review, HQ, TCCs, sunscreens, kojic acid (KA), and azelaic acid receive grade A recommendation. Further large-scale studies are required to clearly establish the efficacy of topical vitamin C, resorcinol, and topical tranexamic acid (TXA). Several newer topical agents may play a role only as an add-on or second-line drugs or as maintenance therapy. Oral TXA has a strong recommendation, provided there are no contraindications. Procyanidins, Polypodium leucotomos (PL), and even synbiotics may be taken as adjuncts. Discussion Several newer topical and systemic agents with multimodal mechanisms of action have now become available, and the balance seems to be tipping in favor of these innovative modalities. However, it is worth mentioning that the choice of agent should be individualized and subject to availability in a particular country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Sarkar
- Department of Dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Evangeline B. Handog
- Department of Dermatology, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Anuva Bansal
- Department of Dermatology, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ma. Juliet Macarayo
- Department of Dermatology, Angeles University Foundation Medical Center, Angeles, Pampanga
| | | | | | - Soumya Jagadeesan
- Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Eugenio Pipo
- Department of Dermatology, Northside Doctors Hospital, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
| | | | - Indrashis Podder
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kamarhati, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shivani Bansal
- Department of Dermatology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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The Low-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment for Melasma: A Systematic Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070936. [PMID: 35888655 PMCID: PMC9323185 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder with a complex pathogenesis, of which the treatment is challenging. Conventional treatment often leads to inconsistent results with unexpected pigmentary side effects and high recurrence rates. Recently, the low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (LFQSNY) has been widely used for treating melasma, especially in Asia. We reviewed literatures on the LFQSNY treatment of melasma published between 2009 and May 2022 to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events, including its combination therapy. A systematic PubMed search was conducted and a total of 42 articles were included in this study. It was hard to summarize the heterogenous studies, but LFQSNY appeared to be a generally effective and safe treatment for melasma considering the results of previous conventional therapies. However, mottled hypopigmentation has been occasionally reported to develop and persist as an adverse event of LFQSNY, which may be associated with the high accumulated laser energy. When used aggressively, even LFQSNY can induce hyperpigmentation via unwanted inflammation, especially in darker skin. Although few studies have reported considerable recurrence rates three months after treatment, unfortunately, there is a lack of the long-term follow-up results of LFQSNY in melasma. To enhance the effectiveness and reduce the adverse events, LFQSNY has been used in combination with other treatment modalities in melasma, including topical bleaching agents, oral tranexamic acid, chemical peeling, or diverse energy-based devices, which generally reduced side effects with or without significant superior efficacy compared to LFQSNY alone.
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Chen J, Yu N, Peng L, Li H, Tang Y, Ou S, Zhu H. Efficacy of low-fluence 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of melasma:a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21. [PMID: 35621242 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melasma is considered as a type of acquired facial pigmentary disorder that is challenging to treat. Low-fluence 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (LQSNY) has clinical benefits against melasma, however there are some disputes. OBJECTIVE To explore these contentious views, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LQSNY monotherapy and combined therapy for the treatment of melasma. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to July 2021. The resulting data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS Twelve eligible studies comprising 358 patients were included. No significant differences in melasma area and severity index (MASI) were observed between the LQSNY and drug groups (mean difference (MD):-0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):-1.16-0.64, P=0.57). We found that combination therapy with LQSNY and drugs had a greater MASI improvement compared to LQSNY therapy alone (MD: 1.78, 95% CI 0.93-2.63, P<0.0001), nevertheless, no statistically significant results were found in melanin index (MI) and self-assessment. The melasma improvement was similar when using LQSNY alone and LQSNY combined with other lasers in terms of RMASI (MD 0.05, 95% CI:-0.61, 0.70, P=0.56). Compared to intense pulsed light (IPL) alone, LQSNY with IPL provided an added benefit for melasma severity (MD:3.23, 95%CI:0.65-5.81, P=0.01). CONCLUSION LQSNY can be applied as an alternative treatment for drug intolerance. Combination therapy with LQSNY and drugs or other lasers may have pleasantly surprising efficacy, but numerous studies are still needed to verify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoquan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nanji Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liqian Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaping Li
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Ou
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huilan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Lai D, Zhou S, Cheng S, Liu H, Cui Y. Laser therapy in the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci 2022; 37:2099-2110. [PMID: 35122202 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Melasma is a highly prevalent and cosmetically disfiguring pigmented skin disease. The post-treatment results are often unsatisfactory. A large number of clinical trials have tried to prove the effectiveness of the combination therapy involving laser therapy, but the results have been indeterminate. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment for melasma via a systematic review and meta-analysis. We respectively searched 4 databases and clinicaltrials.gov as of June 8, 2021. Two researchers independently searched for literature and extracted data. Study outcomes were computed by weighted mean differences (WMD). All statistical analyses were performed by the Review Manager version 5.3, STATA version 14 software at 95% confidence interval. We obtained 22 eligible studies which involved a total of 694 patients. After the heterogeneity test and sensitivity analysis, we took a subgroup meta-analysis on the before and after treatment of different laser types. We found that most lasers and laser-based combinations were associated with reduced melasma area and severity index (MASI), such as low-fluence Q-switch 1,064-nm Nd: YAG laser (QSNYL) (WMD: - 2.76; 95% CI: - 3.53 to - 1.99), fractional ablative CO2 laser (WMD: - 9.36; 95% CI: - 12.51 to - 6.21), and fractional ablative 2940-nm Er: YAG laser (WMD: - 2,72; 95% CI: - 3.94 to - 1.49). Significant decrease was seen in neither MASI score of non-ablative 1550-nm fractional laser (WMD: - 1.29; 95% CI: - 2.80 to 0.21) and picosecond laser (WMD: - 0.58; 95% CI: - 1.43 to 0.27), nor melanin index (MI) of low-fluence QSNYL treatment (WMD: 10.17; 95% CI: - 4.11 to 24.46). When using laser to treat melasma, various adverse reactions may occur, most of which will resolve quickly without subsequent treatment, such as edema, erythema, scaling, and burning sensation after treatment. However, for patients with darker skin, there are risks of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. The laser and laser-based combination treatment for melasma could significantly reduce the MASI score, which was showed by our systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihui Lai
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing ChuiYangLiu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shaona Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing ChuiYangLiu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing ChuiYangLiu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, MEIYAN Aesthetic Plastic Medical Clinic, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, NO.2 Yinghua East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
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