Evaluation of Mongolian Spots Prevalence and Its Related Factors in Neonates in Tehran

Mongolian spots (Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis) are the most frequently encountered pigmented lesions in newborns. The spots typically appear as congenital blue-grey macules. These lesions vary in size and color. The most common location is the sacro-gluteal area. Its prevalence varies from 10% in Caucasians to more than 90% in Mongolians. Only a limited number of studies were carried out to investigate the frequency of these spots in Iran. This study was conducted to study Mongolian spots prevalence and their common sites in newborns at Lolagar hospital

This descriptive-Analytic study was carried out for two years (2004-2006) at Lolagar hospital in Tehran. During this period, 1706 newborns were examined by pediatricians for Mongolian spots prevalence and their common sites in newborns.

Mongolian spots were observed in 37.3% (637 Neonates) neonates. The most frequent site of involvement was the sacral, followed by the gluteal area. Mongolian spots prevalence did not show any significant statistical relationship to sex, gestational age, mother’s age, birth weight and delivery type (P>0.05).

The prevalence of Mongolian spots at Lolagar hospital was similar to the prevalence reported in previous studies in Tehran and Yazd. However it was different from the prevalence reported in studies done in Ahvaz and Bosher. A complementary genealogical study on a representative Iranian sample is necessary.