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Use of Q‐switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of ota in different age groups
Author(s) -
Kono Taro,
Chan Henry H.L.,
Erçöçen Ali Riza,
Kikuchi Yuji,
Uezono Shoichi,
Iwasaka Susumu,
Isago Tsukasa,
Nozaki Motohiro
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.10171
Subject(s) - nevus of ota , dermatology , ruby laser , medicine , nevus , laser , optics , cancer research , physics , melanoma
Abstract Background and Objectives Nevus of Ota is a form of dermal melanocytic hamartoma that appears as a bluish discoloration in the trigeminal region. Although Q‐switched lasers provide effective treatment, the appropriate age at which to start that treatment is not known. Our aim is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Q‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) in the treatment of nevus of Ota in different age groups. Study Design/Materials and Methods Our study included 46 children and 107 adults with nevus of Ota, which had been treated with QSRL that achieved excellent (75% or more) to complete response. The laser parameters were 694‐nm wavelength, 30 nanoseconds pulse duration, 4‐mm spot size, and 5–7 J/cm 2 fluence at 3–4 month intervals. We assessed the mean number of treatment sessions and the degree of complications in the two age groups of patients. Results The mean number of treatment sessions to achieve significance to complete clearing was 3.5 for the younger age group and 5.9 for the older age group ( P = 0.0001). The complication rate for the younger age group was 4.8% as compared to 22.4% for the older age group. Conclusions The use of QSRL for the treatment of nevus of Ota in children can achieve an excellent result in fewer sessions and at a lower complication rate than later treatment. The risk of recurrence is a concern, however, and further long‐term study is necessary to address this issue. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:391–395, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.