A retrospective study of q-switched alexandrite laser in treating nevus of ota.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSAL) has been clinically proven to be effective in treating nevus of Ota, but a large-scale retrospective study with long-term follow-up has never been performed.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of the QSAL in treating nevus of Ota, the laser's long-term side effects, complications associated with the treatments, and the recurrence rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Eight hundred six patients (651 female, 155 male) with a diagnosis of nevus of Ota who had received a series of QSAL (wavelength 755 nm) treatments were recruited. The typical settings were fluences of 3.8 to 4.8 J/cm(2) and a spot size of 3 mm. Follow-ups were conducted via questionnaire with 590 patients who had completed the treatment at least 3 years earlier.

RESULTS:

Overall, 93.9% of patients achieved complete clearance after an average of 5.2 sessions. All recurrences (0.8%) appeared beyond the previously treated sites. No long-term adverse effects, including hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, textural changes, and malignant transformation, were observed.

CONCLUSION:

The QSAL is a safe and effective modality for treating nevus of Ota. Recurrence was rare and appeared beyond the previously treated sites. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

• Authors: Jia Liu, Yuan-Ping Ma, Xiao-Guang Ma, John Z S Chen, Yan Sun, Hong-Hui Xu, Xing-Hua Gao, Hong-Duo Chen, Yuan-Hong Li
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 37 Issue 10 Pg. 1480-5 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21790845 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Facial Neoplasms (therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Lasers, Solid-State (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nevus of Ota (radiotherapy)
• Skin Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Young Adult