Model of yearly transition to severe trachomatous scarring and trichiasis in a cohort of women in Kongwa Tanzania.

One criterion for validation of trachoma elimination is the management of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) after Trachoma inflammation-follicular (TF) is eliminated in children ages 1-9 years at district level. No data exist on how long countries must have dedicated TT programs, as the timeline for progression to TT from trachomatous scarring is unknown. We used eight years of longitudinal data in women in Kongwa Tanzania to model progression from no scarring (S0) through grades of scarring severity (S1-S4) to TT. Markov models were used, with age, community prevalence of TF (CPTF), and household characteristics as co-variates. Adjusted for covariates, the incidence of S1 was estimated at 4∙7% per year, and the risk increased by 26% if the CPTF was between 5-10% and by 48% if greater than 10%. The transition from S4 to TT was estimated at 2∙6% per year. Districts, even after elimination of TF, may have some communities with TF ≥ 5% and increased risk of incident scarring. Once scarring progresses to S2, further progression is not dependent on CPTF. These data suggest that, depending on the district level of scarring and degree of heterogeneity in CPTF at the time of elimination, incident TT will still be an issue for decades.

Reduced rates of substance use disorder in patients with alopecia: An all of us case-control study.

Alopecia areata (AA), depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life are highly associated in the literature. It has been noted that there is an increased risk of substance use in those with AA to help cope with the psychological burdens and perceived stigmatization. This study aims to explore the relationship between substance use disorder (SUD) and scarring/non-scarring alopecia using the All of Us database. Of the 9,385 patients with alopecia, 8.4% had SUD of any kind. Multivariable regression revealed that alopecia is a potential protective factor against SUD when controlling for other covariates of significance, with a decreased odds of 0.73. Substance use disorder prevalence was not different between scarring and non-scarring alopecia. This may be the result of patients fearing exacerbation of hair loss, or due to increased mental health and community support in patients with alopecia. Dermatologists and primary care providers should continue to promote psychotherapy and community support to patients whose diagnosis of alopecia has a negative psychosocial impact.

Risk factors for acne scarring in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common disease that is associated with scarring and substantial psychosocial burden. The Global Burden of Skin Disease reported that the burden from acne as measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 188 countries and specifically that it is greatest in Western Europe, high-income North America and Southern Latin America. This paper aimed to identify risk factors for acne scarring specific to the Ecuadorian population in order to adapt the 4-ASRAT tool accordingly. METHODS: This was an observational prospective study. Participants were recruited to complete a survey that was developed based on the potential risk factors for acne scarring and had facial photographs taken. To determine risk factors and their respective weighting, a logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: The study included 404 participants. Results from univariate analyses indicated that being male (OR = 2.76 95%CI [1.72; 4.43]), having severe or very severe acne scarring (OR = 4.28 95%CI [1.24; 14.79]), acne duration over 1 year (OR = 1.71 95%CI [1.12; 2.60]), oily skin (OR = 2.02 95%CI [1.27; 3.22]) and the presence of acne on the neck (OR = 2.26 95%CI [1.30; 3.92]), were all significantly associated with the presence of acne scarring. Male sex (2.56 95%CI [1.58;4.17]), oily skin (1.96 95%CI [1.20;3.20]) and severe or very severe acne (3.75 95%CI [1.05;13.37]) remained significant risk factors for acne scarring in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: By identifying acne scarring risk factors and applying the tool in everyday dermatology visits, we can reduce the physical and psychological burden that acne scarring causes in the adolescent and adult populations. Further research should be conducted to reassess potential risk factors and complete the adaptation of the tool for the Ecuadorian population, with a larger and more representative study population.

The association between BCG scars and self-reported chronic diseases: A cross-sectional observational study within an RCT of Danish health care workers.

INTRODUCTION: The live-attenuated vaccines Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and Vaccinia have been associated with beneficial non-specific effects. We assessed the prevalence of BCG and Vaccinia vaccine scars in a cohort of Danish health care workers and investigated the association between the presence of vaccine scars and self-reported chronic diseases. METHODS: Cross-sectional study utilizing baseline data collected during 2020-2021 at enrollment in a BCG trial aiming to assess the effect of BCG vaccination on absenteeism and infectious disease morbidity during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. In Denmark, Vaccinia was discontinued in 1977, and BCG was phased out in the early 1980s. We used logistic regression analysis (adjusted for sex, birth year, and smoking status) to estimate the association between scar status and chronic diseases, providing adjusted Odds Ratios (aORs) with 95 % Confidence Intervals, for participants born before 1977, and born from 1965 to 1976. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 1218 participants (206 males; 1012 females) with a median age of 47 years (Q1-Q3: 36-56). Among participants born 1965-1976 (n = 403), who experienced the phase-outs, having BCG and/or Vaccinia scar(s) vs. having no vaccine scars yielded an aOR of 0.51 (0.29-0.90) of self-reported chronic disease; an effect primarily driven by BCG. In the same birth cohort, having vaccine scar(s) was most strongly associated with a lower prevalence of chronic respiratory and allergic diseases; the aORs being 0.39 (0.16-0.97) and 0.39 (0.16-0.91), respectively. CONCLUSION: Having a BCG scar was associated with a lower prevalence of self-reported chronic disease.

Sex difference in atrial scar prevalence: What can we learn from the STABLE-SR-III trial?

BACKGROUND: Female sex has long been recognized to present a higher risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) than in males. However, the underlying mechanisms and benefits of additional low-voltage area (LVA) modification in women remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in atrial substrate and efficacy of additive LVA ablation between sex subgroups. METHODS: Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) aged 65-80 years were randomly assigned to either CPVI plus LVA modification (STABLE-SR) group or CPVI alone group. The primary outcome was freedom from atrial arrhythmias after a single ablation procedure. RESULTS: Of 414 patients included in STABLE-SR-III, 204 (49.3%) were women (mean age 70.5 ± 4.7 years). Women demonstrated significantly higher LVA prevalence (51.5% vs 32.9%; P <.001) and LVA burden (6.5% vs 2.9%; P <.001) than men. In the STABLE-SR group, additional LVA ablation was associated with a 63% reduction in recurrence for women compared with the CPVI alone group (10.8% vs 29.4%; adjusted hazard ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.75; P for interaction = .040). However, this finding was not observed in men (18.7% vs 18.5%). In the female subgroup, both group 1 (CPVI + LVA modification) and group 3 (CPVI alone in females without LVA) had similar clinical outcomes, which were much better than in Group 2 (CPVI alone in women with LVA) (90% vs 83.8% vs 63.6%; P = .003). CONCLUSION: In older patients with PAF, women demonstrated more advanced atrial substrate, including higher prevalence and burden of LVA compared with men. Women may receive greater benefit from additional LVA modification than men.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Hampers COVID-19: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study in High-Burden Endemic Areas of Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Emerging infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 can cause pandemics and create a critical risk for humans. In a previous pilot study, we reported that the immunological responses induced by cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) could decrease the incidence and severity of COVID-19. In this large-scale case-control study, we assessed the possible relationship between mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 in healed CL persons suffering scars compared to cases without CL history. METHODS: This controlled cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and December 2022 in the endemic and high-burden areas of CL in southeastern Iran. In the study, 1400 previous CL cases with scars and 1,521,329 subjects who had no previous CL were analyzed. We used R 4.0.2 to analyze the data. Firth's bias reduction approach corresponding to the penalization of likelihood logistic regression by Jeffreys was also employed to influence the variables in the dataset. Also, a Bayesian ordinal logistic regression model was performed to explore the COVID-19 severity in both case and referent groups. RESULTS: The occurrence and severity rate of COVID-19 in CL scar cases are significantly less than in the non-CL control group, while in the CL scar subjects, patients with critical conditions and mortality were not observed. The morbidity (OR = 0.11, CI 0.06-0.20 and P < 0.001) and severity of COVID-19 in previous cases with CL scars were significantly diminished than that in the control group (credible interval - 2.57, - 1.62). CONCLUSIONS: The results represented a durable negative relationship between cured CL and COVID-19 incidence and severity. Additional studies seem necessary and should be designed to further validate the true impact and underlying mechanistic action of CL on COVID-19.

Gender differences in trachomatous scarring prevalence in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic district in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is a chronic conjunctivitis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infections lead to trachomatous conjunctival scarring which can progress to potentially blinding trachomatous trichiasis (TT). In trachoma hyperendemic conditions, women compared to men have an increased risk of scarring and TT, which can progress to blinding corneal opacification. This study determined if there were gender differences in scarring prevalence and severity when trachoma prevalence approaches elimination, in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic region. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted amongst adults age 15 years and older in Kongwa district, Tanzania in 2019. 3168 persons over age 15 years agreed to be examined and had at least one eye with a gradable image. Ocular photographs were graded for scarring according to a published four-step severity scale. Overall, about half of all study participants had scarring. However, more females (52.3%) had any scarring compared to males (47.2%), OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.05-1.43). For every year increase in age, there was a 6.5% increase in the odds of having more severe scarring (95% CI: 5.8%, 7.2%). Women were more likely than men to have severe scarring, OR 2.36 (95% CI: 1.84-3.02). Residence in a community with TF≥10% was associated with a 1.6-fold increased odds of any scarring. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall scarring prevalence and more severe scarring prevalence was higher in females compared to males, even adjusting for age and community TF prevalence. The data suggest that processes occur that lead to women preferentially progressing towards more severe scarring compared to men.

Subcuticular skin closure at cesarean delivery with poliglecaprone-25 vs polyglactin-910: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery is a commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide. There is limited good-quality evidence regarding subcuticular skin closure with absorbable sutures in transverse incisions after cesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare poliglecaprone-25 (3-0) and polyglactin-910 (4-0) sutures for subcuticular skin closure in Pfannenstiel incisions among women undergoing cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: In this double-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial among women undergoing cesarean delivery (elective and emergency), 200 women were randomized (Group 1-subcuticular skin closure with poliglecaprone-25 [3-0] vs Group 2-subcuticular skin closure with polyglactin-910 [4-0]). All women received similar preoperative and postoperative care. A sample size of 200 women was selected with the aim of reducing the composite wound complication rate from 15.8% to 3.6% with a power of 0.80 and a 2-tailed α of 0.05. Thus, 90 women were required in each group, but 100 were selected to account for attrition. RESULTS: Composite wound complications (including surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, need for resuturing or readmission for wound complications) were similar in the 2 groups (Group 1 vs 2: 16 vs 10; P=.293; relative risk, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.79). Surgical site infection (8 vs 7; P=1.000; relative risk, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.83), hematoma (1 vs 2; P=.561; relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-3.31), seroma (8 vs 2; P=.052; relative risk, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.33), need for resuturing (4 vs 3; P=.700; relative risk, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-2.22), and need for readmission (4 vs 4; P=1.000) were similar in the 2 groups. Pain score on the visual analog scale at 3 days (3.2±1.0 vs 3.6±1.2) and 6 weeks after operation (1.6±0.8 vs 1.7±0.9;) was significantly lower in Group 1 (P=.023 and P=.033, respectively). There was no difference between observer and patient scar assessment scores measured at 6 weeks after operation (P=.069 and P=.431, respectively). CONCLUSION: Poliglecaprone-25 (3-0) and polyglactin-910 (4-0) subcuticular sutures were comparable regarding composite wound complications (surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, wound separation or re-suturing, need for readmission) and cosmetic appearance (patient scar assessment score & observer scar assessment score) related to skin closure among women undergoing cesarean delivery through a Pfannenstiel incision in nonobese women (average body mass index, 25).

Acne among Patients Visiting Outpatient Department of Dermatology Centres.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit. The clinical manifestations of acne include the development of comedones, papules, and pustules. Although generally considered benign, acne can have psychological impacts and cause disfiguring scars. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of acne among patients visiting outpatient department of dermatology centres. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting tertiary care skin centres from 15 June 2023 to 15 August 2023. The ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. The severity of acne severity and scarring was determined. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 2036 patients, acne was found in 386 (18.96%) (17.26-20.66, 95% Confidence Interval). The majority of participants have acne scar grade 2 (65.20%). Conclusions: The prevalence of acne among patients was found to be higher than in other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: acne; scars; prevalence.

Previous Abdominal Scars among Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: Abdominal scars result from various open abdominal surgeries. Laparoscopic surgery in previous open abdominal surgery possesses various challenges to the surgeon like gaining access to the abdominal cavity, and difficulty in dissection due to dense adhesions from previous surgeries for various intraabdominal pathologies. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of previous abdominal scars among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary care centre from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Palmer's point approach via Hassen open technique or direct optical entry was used for cases with previous abdominal scars to gain access to the abdominal cavity. Patients with symptomatic gallstone diseases were included in the study whereas patients with cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and previous cesarean scar were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 160 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, previous abdominal scars was found in 40 (25%) patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of previous abdominal scars contributing to intraoperative and post-operative difficulties among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was found to be higher than in studies done in similar settings. Keywords: laparoscopic cholecystectomy; open surgery; prevalence.

Cicatriz queloide gigante / Giant keloid scar

Introducción: La cicatriz queloide forma parte de las cicatrices patológicas por exceso; es una afección que se caracteriza por el depósito excesivo de colágeno en la dermis y tejido celular subcutáneo. El proceso por el cual se desarrolla no es del todo conocido, es más frecuente en la raza negra y afecta en igual proporción a hombres que mujeres. Objetivo: Informar a la comunidad médica sobre experiencia en el manejo y tratamiento con dos pacientes portadores de lesiones queloides de gran tamaño. Caso clínico: Se presentan dos pacientes con cicatriz queloide gigante a partir de ambos lóbulos auriculares y cuello anterior; se expone la conducta terapéutica basada en la combinación de tres modalidades de tratamiento: cirugía; infiltración con acetónido de triamcinolona, 1 ml (40 mg) desde el día del acto quirúrgico, se repitió cada 15 días; junto a presoterapia con crema esteroidea. Conclusiones: Aunque no existe un tratamiento ideal, se debe tener en cuenta al tratar esta enfermedad si se está ante una lesión recidivante, el tiempo de aparición de la tumoración, sus características clínicas; de seleccionarse el tratamiento quirúrgico como opción terapéutica, debe acompañarse de otras modalidades de tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: The keloid scar is part of the pathological scars by excess, is a condition characterized by the excessive deposit of collagen in the dermis and subcutaneous cell tissue, the process by which it develops is not entirely known, it is more frequent in the black race, affects in equal proportion men than women. Objective: To inform the medical community of the experience in handling and treating two patients with large keloid lesions. Clinical case: Two patients with giant keloid scars are presented from both earlobes and anterior neck where therapeutic behavior based on the combination of three treatment modalities is exposed: surgery, triamcinolone acetonide 1 ml (40mg) infiltration beginning on the first day after surgery, repeated every 15 days and pressotherapy with steroid cream. Conclusions: Although there is no ideal treatment, it should be taken into account when treating this disease if we are facing a recurrent injury, the time of onset of the tumor, its clinical characteristics, surgical treatment should be selected as a therapeutic option, accompanied by other forms of treatment(AU)

Isthmocele: from risk factors to management / Istmocele: de fatores de risco ao manejo

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to provide a complete and clear picture of isthmocele-a hypoechoic area within themyometriumat the site of the uterine scar of a previous cesarean section-by exploring in depth every aspect of this condition. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify the most relevant studies about this topic. Results Every aspect of isthmocele has been studied and described: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, classification, and diagnosis. Its treatment, both medical and surgical, has also been reported according to the actual literature data. Conclusion Cesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide, and one of the consequences of this technique is isthmocele. A single and systematic classification of isthmocele is needed to improve its diagnosis and management. Further studies should be performed to better understand its pathogenesis.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão abrangente da literatura a fim de fornecer um quadro completo e claro da istmocele-uma área hipoecoica dentro domiométrio no local da cicatriz uterina de uma cesariana anterior- aprofundando todos os aspectos desta condição Métodos Uma revisão abrangente da literatura foi realizada para identificar os estudos mais relevantes sobre este tema. Resultados Todos os aspectos da istmocele foram estudados e descritos: fisiopatologia, sintomas clínicos, classificação e diagnóstico. Os tratamentos médico e cirúrgico também foram relatados de acordo com os dados reais da literatura. Conclusão A cesárea é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comum realizado em todo o mundo, e uma das consequências desta técnica é a istmocele. Uma classificação única e sistemática da istmocele é necessária para melhorar seu diagnóstico e manejo. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para melhor entender sua patogênese.

Asociación entre el reflujo vesicoureteral y la nefroesclerosis en las infecciones urinarias / Association of vesicoureteral reflux and renal scarring in urinary tract infections

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la relación entre reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) y daño renal en pacientes con infección urinaria (IU) sin fiebre, primera IU febril e IU recurrente. El objetivo secundario, determinar si la proteína C-reactiva (PCR) actuaría como predictor de nefroesclerosis en las IU febriles. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo; pacientes pediátricos con IU sin fiebre, primera IU febril e IU recurrente. Los análisis de laboratorio de rutina incluyeron hemograma completo, urea, creatinina, análisis de orina completamente automatizado, urocultivo y PCR. Se realizó ecografía urológica luego del diagnóstico de IU, cistouretrografía miccional tras seis semanas y gammagrafía renal estática con ácido dimercaptosuccínico marcado con 99mTc tras seis meses a todos los participantes. Resultados. Participaron 47 niños con IU sin fiebre, 48 con primera IU febril y 61 con IU recurrente. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos respecto de RVU y nefroesclerosis (p= 0,001 y p= 0,011, respectivamente). También hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto de nefroesclerosis entre los pacientes con y sin RVU (p= 0,001). Además, se estableció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto de nefroesclerosis (p < 0,05) en los pacientes con PCR cinco veces mayor o menor que el valor de corte aceptado (5 mg/dl). Conclusión. La proporción de nefroesclerosis fue paralela a la frecuencia de RVU. Cuanto mayor era el grado de RVU, mayor era el daño renal. Se determinó una correlación positiva entre PCR elevada y nefroesclerosis, lo que señala esclerosis durante el diagnóstico de pielonefritis.

Introduction. The aim was to investigate the relationship between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal damage in non-febrile, febrile for the first time and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) patients. The secondary aim was to determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) in febrile UTIs could be a predictor of renal scarring. Population and methods. This prospective study included non-febrile, febrile for the first time and recurrent pediatric UTI cases. The routine lab analyses comprised a complete blood count, urea, creatinine, fully automated urinalysis, urine culture and CRP analyses. All the participants were examined using urine ultrasonography subsequent to their UTI diagnosis, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) after six weeks and Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) static renal scintigraphy after six months. Results. There were included 47 children with non-febrile UTIs, 48 with first febrile UTIs and 61 with recurrent UTIs. A statistically significant difference was found among the groups in terms of VUR and renal scarring (p= 0.001 and p= 0.011, respectively). A statistically significant difference was also found in terms of renal scarring between patients with and without VUR (p= 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was also present in relation to renal scarring (p <0.05) in patients with five-fold lower or higher CRP values than the accepted cut-off value (5mg/dl). Conclusion. The ratio of renal scars detected was found to be parallel to the VUR frequency. The higher the VUR grade, the more renal damage was found. A positive correlation between elevated CRP and renal scarring was determined, indicating the presence of scarring during the diagnosis of pyelonephritis.

Prevalencia de istmocele en el Hospital de San José de Bogotá, Colombia / Prevalence of isthmocele at the San José Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia

Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de istmocele como hallazgo incidental en pacientes con antecedente de cesárea y síntomas clínicos asociados. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, mediante muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, en pacientes con antecedente de cesárea, programadas para histeroscopia entre noviembre de 2014 y marzo de 2015, en el servicio de cirugía endoscópica ginecológica del Hospital San José de Bogotá, Colombia. Resultados: 42 pacientes fueron elegibles para el estudio por su antecedente de cesárea y todas fueron incluidas. La frecuencia de istmocele fue 83,3% en la histeroscopia, con similar localización en istmo y cérvix. La principal característica clínica presentada por las pacientes fue hemorragia uterina anormal (85,7%), mientras que la menos frecuente fue infertilidad (7,1%). En las pacientes con presencia de istmocele se observó una mayor prevalencia de dismenorrea (65,7% vs. 42,9%), antecedente de 2 o más cesáreas (60% vs. 42,9%) y cesárea de urgencia (54,3% vs. 28,6%) comparadas con el grupo de pacientes sin istmocele, en este último grupo se advirtió que el 100% de las pacientes no tenían antecedente de trabajo de parto previo. En mujeres con antecedente de cesárea y presencia de síntomas como sangrado uterino anormal, dismenorrea, dolor pélvico, infertilidad y dispareunia, la frecuencia de istmocele diagnosticado por histeroscopia fue mayor del 80%. Conclusión: El istmocele se debe a la cicatrización anómala uterina posterior a una cesárea, se requieren otros estudios para determinar no solo la prevalencia sino los factores protectores que reduzcan su incidencia para tener un impacto positivo en este tipo de pacientes.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of isthmocele as an incidental finding in patients with a history of cesarean section and associated clinical symptoms. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study using nonprobabilistic sampling for convenience in patients with a history of cesarean section, scheduled for hysteroscopy between November 2014 and March 2015, in the gynecological endoscopic surgery service of the Hospital San José de Bogotá, Colombia. Results: 42 patients were eligible for the study because of their previous cesarean section and all were included. The frequency of isthmocele was 83.3% in hysteroscopy, with similar localization in the isthmus and cervix. The main clinical characteristic presented by the patients was abnormal uterine bleeding (85.7%), while the less common was infertility (7.1%). A higher prevalence of dysmenorrhea (65.7% vs. 42.9%) was observed in patients with isthmocele, a history of 2 or more cesareans (60% vs. 42.9%) and an emergency cesarean section (54, 3% vs. 28.6%) compared to the group of patients without isthmocele, in the latter group it was noted that 100% of the patients had no previous history of labor. In women with a history of cesarean section and presence of symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, infertility and dyspareunia, the frequency of isthmocele diagnosed by hysteroscopy was greater than 80%. Conclusion: Isthmocele is due to abnormal uterine cicatrization after cesarean section, other studies are required to determine not only the prevalence but also the protective factors that reduce its incidence to have a positive impact on this kind of patients.

Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors

Abstract: Background: Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous follicle disorder affecting over 85% of adolescents to some degree. It frequently causes psychological distress that may persist into adulthood due to scarring. Little information about post-acne scarring epidemiology is available. Objectives: To describe prevalence, distribution patterns and associated factors of acne scarring in young males, drawing on a representative population sample from a southern Brazilian city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during presentation for military service, which is compulsory for all 18-year-old males. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics like diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, family structure, socio-economic level, as well as specific questions about active acne and resulting scars. Dermatologists conducted the clinical examination. Results: A total of 2,201 male adolescents were interviewed and examined. The overall prevalence of acne scarring was 22%. The malar region was the most frequently involved, present in 80% of affected individuals, followed by the frontal region (31.5%), back (17%), anterior chest (8.2%) and mentonian region (6.4%). Correlation between the intensity of clinical acne and the presence of scars was found, but no association was observed with educational level, smoking, ethnicity, obesity or socio-economic status. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of acne scars among this population. This is the first study to ascertain a correlation between acne scarring and factors such as socio-economic status and educational level. The direct relation between acne severity and scarring indicates that prompt and effective treatment is the best way to reduce scarring.

Prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas em exames angiográficos / Prevalence of chorioretinal scars in angiographics exams

RESUMO A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose que tem como agente etiológico o Toxoplasma gondii, que se caracteriza por ser uma doença infecciosa de distribuição mundial. Considera-se que no mundo existam mais de 2 bilhões de pessoas infectadas pela toxoplasmose. É bem conhecido que a toxoplasmose é uma causa frequente de cicatriz coriorretiniana. Nesse grupo de doenças, o exame angiográfico (ou angiofluoresceinografia de retina) é de fundamental importância para o diagnóstico. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento da prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas em angiografias em serviço privado na região de Cascavel (PR), Brasil. Métodos: Realização um estudo retrospectivo, transversal, com levantamento de documentos fonte, onde foram analisados 8719 laudos de angiografias de retina realizadas no Instituto da Visão na cidade de Cascavel (PR), Brasil, entre os anos de 2000 a 2011, sendo selecionados como primeiro diagnóstico de cada paciente, completando um total de 4928 exames válidos. As alterações encontradas foram classificadas de acordo com o tipo de cicatriz visualizada, e divididas conforme frequência percentual. Resultados: Observou-se uma prevalência de cicatrizes de 6,38%, sendo que o percentual de cicatriz coriorretiniana encontrado foi de 6,14%. Conclusão: A baixa prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas encontrada na região de Cascavel (PR), Brasil, quando comparada à de Erechim (RS), Brasil, se deve a diversos fatores, tanto climáticos, socioculturais e institucionais. Além das cicatrizes coriorretinianas, que representaram o maior número entre as cicatrizes, foram encontrados outros subtipos cicatriciais com prevalências menores.

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis whose etiologic agent is Toxoplasma gondii, which is characterized as an infectious disease of worldwide distribution. There are thought to be more than 2 billion people globally infected with toxoplasmosis. It is well known that toxoplasmosis is a frequent cause of chorioretinal scarring. In this group of diseases, the angiographic examination (or retinal fluorescein angiography) is very important for diagnosis. Objective: To perform a survey on the prevalence of chorioretinal scars in angiography at a private clinic in the area of Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study with collection of data from source documents, involving the analysis of 8,719 reports of retinal angiograms performed at the Instituto da Visão of Cascavel, Brazil, between the years 2000-2011. The first diagnosis of each patient was selected, completing a total of 4,928 valid exams. The changes were classified according to the type of visualized scarring, and divided as percentage frequency. Results: We observed a prevalence of 6.38% scars, and the percentage of chorioretinal scars was found to be 6.14%. Conclusion: The low prevalence of chorioretinal scars found in the region of Cascavel, Brazil, when compared with the region of Erechim (Rio Grande do Sul State), Brazil, is due to climatic, sociocultural and institutional factors. Besides the chorioretinal scars, which represent the largest group of scars, other subtypes of scars with lower prevalence were found.

Epidemiología de las quemaduras en niños y adolescentes de Región Metropolitana de Chile / Epidemiology of burns in children and adolescents from Chile's Metropolitan Region

Objective: To determine demographic, clinical and health care factors associated to prevalence of burns in children less than 20 years of age in the districts of Cerro Navia, Lo Prado and Pudahuel, and their comparison with incidence in 2011. Patients and Method: Population survey based on probability and two-stage stratified complex sample of households, registering 4,968 households. In 302 of them randomly selected, the mother/adult present at the time of the injury took a survey. A questionnaire of 50 questions (20 minutes), created by 6 experts and previously validated, was conducted by 10 interviewers and 3 supervisors. People were contacted by telephone before visiting them at their homes. The non-response rate was 6%, after up to 3 home visits. Results: Regarding prevalence, the male-to-female ratio was 1.16:1. Main reasons were hot objects (42.4%) and liquids (41.5%). 84.1% of burns occurred inside the home and in the afternoon (50.7%). 93.3% of the burns took place with an adult present. Hands were the most affected areas (46.7%). 30.2% were left with scars the first time of the accident. 34.4% of the burn victims did not require health care and 8.4% of them required hospitalizations. Over 60% of respondents reported that they poured cold water on the burn as a first step. Conclusion: Relevant information was obtained to be used in burn prevention in children and adolescents. Recall bias is the main limitation of the study.

Objetivo: Determinar factores demográficos, clínicos y de atención de salud asociados a prevalencia de quemaduras en menores de 20 años residentes en comunas de Cerro Navia, Lo Prado y Pudahuel y su comparación con incidencia en 2011. Pacientes y Método: Encuesta poblacional, basada en muestra probabilística, estratificada y bietápica de hogares de tipo compleja, empadronándose 4.968 hogares. En 302 seleccionados aleatoriamente, se aplicó encuesta a madre/adulto presente en el momento de la lesión del menor. Cuestionario de 50 preguntas (20 min), realizado por 6 expertos, y validado previamente, fue aplicado por 10 encuestadores y 3 supervisores. Se contactó telefónicamente las personas antes de concurrir al domicilio. La tasa de no respuesta fue de 6%, luego de realizar hasta 3 visitas al domicilio. Resultados: En prevalencia, la razón masculina sobre femenina fue de 1,16:1. Agentes principales fueron objetos calientes (42,4%) y líquidos calientes (41,5%); 84,1% de las quemaduras ocurrieron dentro del hogar y a media tarde (50,7%); 93,3% de las quemaduras fue con adulto presente. La mano fue la localización más afectada (46,7%); 30,2% quedó con cicatriz la primera vez que se quemó. 34,4% de los quemados no demandó atención de salud y se declararon 8,4% de hospitalizaciones. Más de 60% de los encuestados relató echar agua fría a la quemadura como primera medida. Conclusión: Se obtiene información relevante para utilizar en prevención de quemaduras en niños y jóvenes. El sesgo de recuerdo es la limitante principal del estudio.

Queloides y cicatrices hipertróficas: problema frecuente de manejo complejo / Keloids and hypertrophic scars: frequent problem of complex management

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are frequent observed. These two conditions are considered part of the abnormal wound-healing spectrum. The main difference between keloids and hypertrophic scars is the scar extension in relation to the original incision, where former extends beyond the original incision while the latter respects it. The main issue with both conditions is that treatment modalities used today offer unacceptable high recurrence rates, between 50 to 70 percent, when they are applied as monotherapy. With combined treatment modalities recurrence rates have improved partially depending mainly in the chosen combination and so, this strategy is likely the optimal choice for the management of these lesions. The objective of this review was to highlight the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of keloids with mono or combined therapy, focusing mainly in the surgical and radiotherapy/brachytherapy modalities.

Leishmaniose tegumentar americana humana e canina no Município de Mariluz, Estado do Paraná, Brasil / Human and canine American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mariluz, Paraná State, Brazil

Relata-se a ocorrência de um surto de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no ano de 2002, no Município de Mariluz, mesorregião noroeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Das 38 pessoas investigadas, quatro tinham lesões cicatrizadas, 10 em cicatrização e 24 tinham lesões ativas. Dos 126 cães investigados, 20 (15,9 por cento) tinham lesões sugestivas e 24 (19 por cento) tiveram sorologia positiva. Os parasitos isolados de dois pacientes e de três cães foram identificados como Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis serodema I. Os flebotomíneos coletados foram identificados como Nyssomyia whitmani, N. neivai e Migonemyia migonei. Considerando que a área onde ocorreram os casos é semelhante a outras de colonização antiga no Estado do Paraná, acredita-se que as alterações ambientais e as matas remanescentes propiciam a manutenção do ciclo enzoótico do parasito e a transmissão para o homem e para os animais domésticos, mantendo o caráter endêmico da leishmaniose tegumentar americana.

An outbreak of American cutaneous leishmaniasis was reported in 2002 in Mariluz, northwestern Paraná State, Brazil. Of 38 humans who were investigated, four had healed lesions, ten showed lesions in the healing process, and 24 had active lesions. Of the 126 dogs, 20 (15.9 percent) presented suggestive lesions and 24 (19 percent) had positive serology. Parasites isolated from two patients and three dogs were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis serodeme I. The captured sand flies were identified as Nyssomyia whitmani, N. neivai, and Migonemyia migonei. Considering that the region where the cases occurred is similar to other old human settlements in Paraná State, the environmental alterations and remaining forests facilitate the maintenance of the parasite's enzootic cycle and transmission to humans and domestic animals, thereby maintaining the endemicity of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Impacto del Plan de Atención Básica en la Prevención de Leishmaniasis Cutánea en Zonas Rurales de Santander, Colombia / The Basic Health PlanÆs impact on preventing cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural areas of Santander, Colombia

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los programas del Plan de Atención Básica en la prevención de leishmaniasis cutánea en tres municipios santandereanos. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio ecológico con unidad de análisis vivienda. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente niños menores de diez años de las escuelas rurales, se aplicaron encuestas estructuradas por vivienda y se examinó la presencia de cicatriz/lesión. Se hizo un análisis de regresión binomial ajustando por conglomerados. Resultados: Se muestrearon un total de 18 veredas con 284 viviendas y 609 niños menores de diez años. La prevalencia general de niños con cicatriz/lesión fue de 19,1 por ciento distribuida en forma diferencial en los tres municipios. El 42,8 por ciento de las viviendas reportaron haber recibido algún tipo de información y el 39,9 por ciento algún tipo de intervención de leishmaniasis del Plan de Atención Básica. Las intervenciones del Plan de Atención Básica mostraron un efecto protector en el análisis bivariado, pero luego de ajustar por variables socioeconómicas y ambientales, su efecto no fue significativo (PR=1,39 IC95 por ciento 0,76-2,56) Conclusión: Las intervenciones del Plan de Atención Básica en leishmaniasis no tienen asociación significativa con la presencia de cicatriz/lesión en los niños menores de diez años, probablemente porque su efecto es superado por las condiciones socioeconómicas y ambientales de la zona, así como por las condiciones administrativas relacionadas con la baja cobertura de los programas.