PubMed RSS Feed - -To test or not to test: A study examining the return rates of rosacea patients treated with a pulsed dye laser.

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To test or not to test: A study examining the return rates of rosacea patients treated with a pulsed dye laser.

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Feb 01;:1-2

Authors: Hirt M, Mello R, Lunos S, Farah RS

Abstract
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an effective treatment option for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The use of a test spot allows patients to experience the procedure on a small area prior to further treatment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the use of a no charge test spot influenced return rates for further PDL treatment. Data were obtained retrospectively using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes for rosacea. Sixty charts were identified: 26 patients initially received a PDL test area free of charge, whereas 34 patients initially underwent full PDL treatment. Patients who experienced the test spot laser treatment had a lower return rate compared to those that directly underwent full PDL treatment. However, this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test p = 0.2883). Future studies evaluating and identifying factors that influence PDL return rates are needed.
ABBREVIATIONS: ETR: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea; PDL: pulsed dye laser; ICD: International classification of diseases.

PMID: 29388860 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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