STM Article Repository

Background: Macular amyloidosis (MA) is characterised by small, dusky-brown or greyish pigmented macules that are difficult to cure with topical and systemic medications. However, the Q-Switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (ND:YAG) laser has proven to be a successful therapeutic technique for reducing hyperpigmentation.

Aim: To study the efficacy of ND:YAG laser in the management of Macular amyloidosis.

Methods: Thirty female patients were treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with a spot size of 3 mm, fluence of 6-7 J/cm2, frequency of 2 Hz, and 350-500 pulses. As the hyperpigmentation intensity decreased, the total number of pulses decreased with each therapy session. For a total of 6 treatment sessions, the technique was repeated at one-month intervals.

Results: After completing treatment sessions with the Nd-YAG laser, 36.66 percent of patients had a pigmentation improvement of more than 50%.The laser treatment was rated as satisfactory by 66.6 percent of patients.33.3 percent of patients improved by less than 25% and were dissatisfied with their treatment.

Conclusion: MA continues to be a mystery and a source of concern for both patients and doctors. The Q-switched Nd-YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm has demonstrated to be effective in reducing pigmentation in MA.