Treatment of naevus of Ota with Q-switched 1064nm Nd:YAG laser

ABSTRACT

Background Naevus of Ota was first described in 1939 by Ota M. It is characterized by a bluish-gray mottled hyperpigmentation in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. It affects between 0.014 - 0.6% of the Asian population. It is not only physically disfiguring but may be associated with tremendous psychosocial impact on the patient. The aim of the study is to determine the demographic data of local patients with naevus of Ota, their response to treatment with Q-switched 1064nm NdYAG laser, complications and recurrence. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with naevus of Ota treated with Q-switched 1064nm NdYAG laser between January 1998 to December 2007 was conducted at the dermatology clinic, Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Patients’ demographic data, clinical characteristics, response to Q-switched 1064nm NdYAG laser and the complications were reviewed. Results A total of 50 patients with naevus of Ota were treated with Q-switched 1064nm NdYAG laser. There were 42 female and 8 male patients with a F M ratio of about 51. The mean age of presentation was 31 years old (11-60 years). More than half were Chinese patients (56%) followed by Malays (38%), Indian (2%) and others (4%). Seventy four percent of the patients had Fiztpatrick skin-type IV and the rest skin type V. Ninety two percent of the patients had unilateral trigeminal dermatomal involvement while 8% had bilateral trigeminal dermatomal involvement. Of the 15 patients who were referred to the ophthalmologist, 10 were found to have scleral involvement and none had glaucoma. Patients who had 2 treatments (13 patients) did not have any significant lightening of their lesions. In the remaining 37 patients who had 3 sessions (mean = 5.7, range 3 -15 sessions), 9 patients (24.3%) reported the response as good (51-75% lightening); 17 patients (45.3%) as excellent (>75% lightening) and 8 patients (22%) had near complete lightening (>90%). None reported any complications or recurrence. Conclusion Q-switched 1064nm NdYAG laser is an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with naevus of Ota.