Circumscripted pigmentations after iron injections - Treatment with Q-switched laser systems

Background and Objective: Cutaneous brown discolorations in the area of inj ection can be a cosmetically bothersome side effect from a parenteral iron treatment, and have not responsed to an effective therapy until now. Study Design/Patients and Methods: We report retrospectively on:five patien ts who were treated with the Q-switched ruby and/or Nd:YAG laser for circum scripted siderosis after intramuscular or intravenous iron injection. Results: The number of required laser treatments was between 3 and 16. The clinical improvement after the first 2-4 sessions was the most impressive, especially after the application of the Nd:YAG laser. Hypopigmentation and scars did not develop. In one case hyperpigmentation appeared. Conclusion: This study shows that there is an effective method of clearing persistent brown discolorations with few side effects after parenteral iron therapy, using Q-switched laser technology. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.