2025/04/29 by Wenwen Zhao, Hedan Yang, Xing liu +6
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Dermatologic Treatments and Research #Dermatology #Medicine #Nevus #Nevus of Ota #Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques #Retrospective cohort study #Surgery #melanin and skin pigmentation
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/lsm.70021
crossref issued 2025/04/29 · crossref published 2025/04/29 · crossref published-online 2025/04/29 · openalex publication_date 2025/04/29 · crossref created 2025/04/30 · crossref deposited 2025/06/11 · crossref published-print 2025/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03 · crossref indexed 2026/08/06
BACKGROUND: Picosecond lasers have been increasingly applied to the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOMs), and proved safe and effective for adult patients. But there has been limited data concerned with their use in children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy, safety, and correlative influencing factors of a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser in treating ABNOMs in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed children with ABNOMs from January 2017 to July 2023 who received the treatment using a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. Treatment parameters used were as follows: 750 ps pulse duration, 2.34-4.07 J/cm² fluence, and 2.5-3.3 mm spot size. The mean treatment interval was 7 months. The efficacy was evaluated based on a five-point scale according to the percentage of pigmentation clearance. RESULTS: A total of 49 pediatric patients were included in this retrospective study. The average age at the beginning of treatment was 16.87 months old (range of 4 months to 59 months). These patients received an average of two treatments, achieving an average of 76% pigment clearance, which corresponded to excellent improvement (75%-94%). After the first treatment, six cases reached clinical clearance, and an average of pigment clearance was 61%. The initial efficacy was positively correlated with Fitzpatrick type (p < 0.05). Patients with Fitzpatrick III skin type responded better than patients with Fitzpatrick IV skin type. Besides, the initial efficacy was negatively correlated with the first treatment age and disease duration (p < 0.05). Eight cases developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, accounting for 16.3% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser is safe and effective in treating ABNOMs in children. Being younger at the initial treatment, having Fitzpatrick III skin type, and experiencing a shorter disease duration are beneficial for initial efficacy.