Effects of intense pulsed light in microstomia in patients with systemic sclerosis: A pilot study
Rosholm Comstedt, L.; Svensson, Åke.; Hesselstrand, R.; Lehti, L.; Troilius Rubin, A.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 19(3): 143-148
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 1476-4172 PMID: 27911118 Document Number: 692741
The effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) on collagen structures are well known in the treatment of photodamaged skin. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of IPL on sclerotic skin by treating patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis. 13 patients all with microstomia and systemic sclerosis were treated with IPL, PR (530-750 nm filter) and/or VL (555-950 nm filter) applicator. They were treated in the perioral area 8 times with 3-4 weeks of interval and follow-up for 6 months. The outcomes were the inter-incisal distance and the inter-ridge distance. A significant increase in mouth opening of 4.1 mm (95% confidence interval, 1726-6638, p < 0.005) was found in the inter-ridge distance when comparing the distance before treatment with the distance at six-month follow-up. No significant difference was found in the inter-incisal distance. The patients experienced improved mobility and better control of lip movements after the treatments. IPL can improve the inter-ridge distance between the lips in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis but does not affect the inter-incisal distance, which is also dependent on the mobility of the mandibular joints. This treatment can be considered an adjunctive therapy in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis.