Rosenbach, 1997  Title: Comparison of the Q-switched alexandrite
(755 nm) and Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) lasers in the treatment
of benign melanocytic nevi.
Author: Rosenbach A, Williams CM, Alster TS
Publication: Dermatol Surg 1997 Apr;23(4):239-44;
discussion 244-5
PMID: 9149789, UI: 97293895
Affiliated institution: Washington
Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037,
USA.
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: A variety of pigmented lesions have been shown to
be effectively treated with several pigment-specific laser systems
currently available. There has been recent evidence to indicate
that they may also be useful in the treatment of melanocytic nevi.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and histologic effects of
the Q-switched (QS) alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
lasers in the treatment of melanocytic nevi.
METHODS: Eighteen patients received three QS alexandrite and
Nd:YAG laser treatments to either half of a large nevus or to
two small adjacent nevi. Tissue biopsies were obtained for histologic
examination. Degree of clinical improvement was determined by
comparative photographic global assessment scores. The amount
of melanin present within the nevi before and after laser irradiation
was measured by reflectance spectrometry.
RESULTS: Clinical global assessment scores were significantly
reduced in all QS alexandrite and QS Nd:YAG laser-treated nevi
after three treatments. Melanin reflectance spectrometry scores
improved after the first laser treatment only. Histologically,
a significant reduction in epidermal pigmentation and melanocytes
were observed following laser irradiation with either QS system.
CONCLUSION: Both the QS alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser systems
resulted in significant improvement (lightening) of treated nevi.
The QS alexandrite laser produced slightly better results using
the parameters outlined.
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