1. A 1,320-nm Nd
- Author
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Sam V Truong, Kristen M. Kelly, Kathryn Serowka, and Arisa E. Ortiz
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Additional Therapy ,Lasers, Solid-State ,Dermatology ,law.invention ,Laser treatments ,Patient satisfaction ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Onychomycosis ,Humans ,Medicine ,Effective treatment ,business.industry ,Optimal treatment ,General Medicine ,Toes ,Alternative treatment ,Surgery ,Treatment Outcome ,Patient Satisfaction ,Nd:YAG laser ,Quality of Life ,Female ,business - Abstract
Author(s): Ortiz, Arisa E; Truong, Sam; Serowka, Kathryn; Kelly, Kristen M | Abstract: BackgroundOnychomycosis is a therapeutic challenge because of the toxicities of systemic medications. This has led to the investigation of light-based technologies for safe and effective alternative treatment modalities.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of 4 treatments with a 1,320-nm neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in improving the appearance of onychomycosis.Materials and methodsThis study was a 24-week, single-center randomized placebo-controlled study. Ten subjects were enrolled with culture-proven, bilateral great toenail onychomycosis. The subjects received 4 treatments with the 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser to the treatment toenail on Days 1, 7, 14, and 60. The control toenail received a sham treatment of cryogen cooling only. Mycologic cultures were obtained at 3-month follow-up visits.ResultsFifty percent of mycologic cultures were negative at the 3-month follow-up after 4 laser treatments. Toenails had improvement in subungual debris, hypertrophy, and yellowing. Patient satisfaction was upheld as assessed by the Nail Quality of Life Questionnaire.ConclusionThe 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser may be a safe and effective therapy for improving the appearance of onychomycosis. Additional therapy may be necessary to enhance long-term results. Further investigation needs to explore the optimal treatment settings and the most effective treatment schedule.
- Published
- 2014