In vivo trial comparing patients' tolerance of Q-switched alexandrite (QS Alex) and Q-switched neodymium : yttrium-aluminum-garnet (QS Nd : YAG) lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota

Background and Objectives: Different types of Q-switched lasers have been f ound to be effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. However, a clinical trial involving in vivo comparison of the use of different laser systems ha s not been performed. The aim of the present study was to compare the patie nt tolerance of Q-switched Alexandrite (QS Alex) and Q-switched neodymium:y ttrium-aluminum-garnet (QS Nd:YAG) lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients (11 male, 22 fema le) were recruited for this study, and 45 treatment sessions were performed . Half of each lesion was treated with QS Alex and the other half with QS N d:YAG; laser. Patients were interviewed with a visual analog scale question naire immediately after treatment and 1 week later. Questions included the degree of pain, swelling, and bleeding. Results: The immediate pain after treatment was more severe for QS Alex tha n for QS Nd:YAG; laser. However, 1 week after laser therapy, most patients found QS Alex to be superior. Conclusion: Patients tolerate QS-Alex better than QS Nd:YAC;. This finding is important because patients with nevus of Ota are often children, and mul tiple laser sessions are necessary for complete resolution of the lesion. L asers Surg. Med. 24:24-28, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.