FREQUENCY OF PIGMENTED BIRTHMARKS IN NEWBORNS OF VARIOUS ETHNIC GROUPS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of various types of pigmented birthmarks in neonates of different ethnic background born at PNS Shifa, with in 48 hours of birth.
Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology and Department of Obstetrics, PNS Shifa, Karachi. The study was conducted for six months, from 1st March 2008 till 31st September 2008.
Patients and Methods: Two hundred newborn children of both sexes, born by any mode of delivery and belonging to different social classes and ethnic groups, in their first 48 hours of life were recruited. Each baby was physically examined, after taking consent from the mother, so as to assess the type, colour and distribution of the pigmented birthmark. All demographic features were recorded in a proforma and a digital photograph of each baby with a pigmented birthmark was also taken.
Results: Pigmented birthmarks observed included Mongolian blue spot, café-au-lait macules and congenital melanocytic nevi. Among the ethnic groups these nevi were more prevalent among groups with darker skin colour and black hair.
Conclusion: Mongolian blue spot are the commonest pigmented birthmarks observed followed by café-au-lait macules and congenital melanocytic nevi.