Excess melanocytic nevi in children with renal allografts

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 51 - 55
• Main Authors: Smith, C.H., McGregor, J.M., Barker, J.N.W.N., Morris, R.W., Rigden, S.P.A., MacDonald, D.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 1993; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatology; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression - adverse effects; Kidney Transplantation - adverse effects; Male; Medical sciences; Melanoma - etiology; Melanoma - prevention & control; Nevus, Pigmented - epidemiology; Nevus, Pigmented - etiology; Prevalence; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - etiology; Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control; Time Factors; Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions; Human; Skin disease; Prevalence; Transplantation; Malignant tumor; Homotransplantation; Kidney; Immunosuppression; Surgery; Risk factor; Malignant melanoma; Child; Melanocytic nevus
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/0190-9622(93)70008-H

Background: Renal allograft transplantation is associated with an increased incidence of malignant melanoma. The development of excess melanocytic nevi may be an indicator of this risk. Objective: This study determines the prevalence of melanocytic nevi in children who have received renal allografts. Methods: Total and regional melanocytic nevi counts were made in 38 children (27 boys, 11 girls) with a renal allograft and in 38 individually age- and sex-matched healthy controls; counts were related to age, sex, skin type, and duration of immunosuppression. Results: There was a significant increase in the total number of nevi in the renal transplant group compared with the control group ( p < 0.05), with most marked increases occurring on the back and at acral sites. A strong positive correlation between nevi count and duration of immunosuppression independent of age was observed ( p < 0.005). Conclusion: Excess numbers of melanoeytic nevi occur in children with renal allografts. These patients constitute a risk group for malignant melanoma and require continued assessment.