Prurigo Pigmentosa: A Clinicopathological Report of Three Middle Eastern Patients.

Prurigo pigmentosa is a unique cutaneous inflammatory disorder characterized by a sudden onset of pruritic and erythematous macules, urticarial papules, and plaques that may coalesce to form a reticulated pattern. Lesions typically heal within weeks leaving a reticulated and mottled postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The majority of reported cases originate from Japan with much fewer cases described worldwide without predominant ethnicity. The histopathological features of prurigo pigmentosa can be nonspecific; however, distinct features exist for each stage of the disease. The aetiology of prurigo pigmentosa is not fully understood. However, ketoacidosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis and indeed prurigo pigmentosa has been associated with ketoacidotic states such as diabetes mellitus, fasting, dieting, and anorexia nervosa. In this report, we present 3 Jordanian patients with prurigo pigmentosa and describe their clinicopathological features. One patient developed prurigo pigmentosa while fasting during the month of Ramadan and another was undertaking a strict diet. No associations were identified in the third patient. In view of the largely nonspecific clinical and histological features, a high index of suspicion is required as many cases of prurigo pigmentosa are probably undiagnosed.

Severe airway obstruction during surfactant administration using a standardized protocol: a prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of adverse effects during surfactant delivery, using a standardized protocol for administration and management of complications. STUDY DESIGN: The protocol was developed, implemented and used for 6 months. Vital signs and ventilatory parameters were prospectively recorded during the procedure. Infants were classified into three groups, based on the occurrence and severity of complications: no, minor or major. RESULT: A total of 39 infants received surfactant and 19 presented some complication: 11 minor and 8 major. Six of the major complications were episodes of severe airway obstruction (SAO) and five occurred in extreme low birth weight (ELBW) infants that had more severe lung disease before surfactant delivery. Two cases of persistent pulmonary hypertension occurred in infants with birth weight>1000 g. CONCLUSION: This study identified a high rate of SAO and provides data to support changes in the protocol, which should include faster and more robust increases in positive inspiratory pressures in ELBW infants presenting with SAO.