The Influence of Different Treatment Intervals on the Efficacy of Hemoporfin‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Pediatric Patients With Port‐Wine Stain on the Periphery of the Face

Background: Hemoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy (Hemoporfin‐PDT) is considered an effective treatment for Port‐wine stain (PWS). However, no studies have explored the effects of different treatment intervals on the efficacy of Hemoporfin‐PDT. This study aimed to analyze the impact of different treatment intervals on the efficacy of Hemoporfin‐PDT in pediatric facial PWS patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the clinical data of 95 pediatric facial PWS patients who received Hemoporfin‐PDT treatment from March 2018 to October 2023 in our center. The association between efficacy and sex, age, and treatment interval was analyzed. Results: After three sessions of Hemoporfin‐PDT, 87.37% of patients achieved excellent or good efficacy, 11.58% had fair efficacy, and 1.05% had poor efficacy. The efficacy of patients with a 9‐month treatment interval was significantly inferior to those with 3‐month and 6‐month intervals (OR: 6.99, 95% CI: 1.63–30.02, p = 0.009; OR: 10.92, 95% CI: 2.18–54.76, p = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference between patients with 3‐month and 6‐month intervals ( p = 0.45). Sex and age were not found to be associated with the efficacy of Hemoporfin‐PDT. Conclusion: In pediatric PWS patients with pink‐type lesions located on the peripheral face, clinical efficacy is associated with the treatment interval. The efficacy of patients with a 9‐month treatment interval is significantly inferior to those with 3‐month and 6‐month intervals. While the influence of age on the efficacy of Hemoporfin‐PDT remains inconclusive, we still believe that early initiation of treatment is beneficial and necessary.