Nevus depigmentosus treated by melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Nevus depigmentosus is a congenital, nonprogressive hypopigmented disorder. Various therapeutic methods have been attempted to repigment nevus with variable results.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to report our experience of treatment of nevus depigmentosus with a combination of noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP) and excimer laser sessions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Six patients (male 1, female 5) of nevus depigmentosus were treated with a combination of noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation and excimer laser. One patient was lost to follow-up. Remaining five patients were observed for a period ranging from 7 to 30 months.

RESULTS

Two patients responded poorly to MKTP. The remaining three patients responded with repigmentation ranging from 80% to 100% but the quality of repigmentation was unsatisfactory in two of them.

CONCLUSION

Though repigmentation of nevus depigmentosus is possible by grafting techniques, the results are inconsistent and recurrence is possible.