DECISA Project (DErmatology Clinics in Italy: Survey on Alitretinoin): A real-life retrospective cohort multicenter study on 438 subjects with chronic hand eczema.

Alitretinoin is the only systemic agent approved to treat moderate-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids. No nationwide Italian data regarding real-life efficacy, safety, and tolerability of treatment are available. The DECISA project (DErmatology Clinics in Italy: Survey on Alitretinoin) retrospectively examined data from a registry including 15 Dermatology Clinics authorized to prescription of alitretinoin for CHE patients. Disease severity was assessed at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, using the 5-point Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and the modified Total Lesion-Symptoms-Severity (mTLSS) scores. Between November 2010 and July 2018, data of 248 male and 190 female patients (mean age 49.71 ± 13.20 years) treated with alitretinoin were collected. Of them, 43.2% had irritant contact dermatitis, 22.2% allergic contact dermatitis, 18.0% atopic dermatitis, 16.7% mixed (irritant/allergic) type of eczema. At 3 months, the 420 re-evaluated patients showed significantly reduced mTLSS and PGA (P < .0000001 vs baseline for both); PGA was clear/almost clear in 35.6% of cases. At 6 months, the 341 re-evaluated patients showed significant (P < .0000001) improvement of mTLSS and PGA vs baseline and 3 months (PGA clear/almost clear: 41.4%). Relapses occurred in 125 patients; 58 underwent an additional course of alitretinoin, with similarly good results. No relevant safety issues were reported; 86 patients experienced adverse effects, which forced 40 to prematurely stop treatment. The DECISA project results confirm the real-life efficacy, safety and tolerability of alitretinoin in the treatment of moderate to severe CHE refractory to standard topical therapies.

Depression and sleep quality in psoriatic patients: impact of psoriasis severity.

Background: Psoriatic patients often display depression and sleep disturbances. In previous research, we found high rates of depression and poor sleep quality among psoriatic patients, unrelated to psoriasis severity. However, these results referred to a sample mainly composed of patients under remission.Aim: To compared the prevalence of depression and sleep disturbances in patients suffering from mild versus moderate-tosevere plaque psoriasis, also investigating the association between psoriasis severity and psychopathological variables.KeypointsPsoriasis affects the patients' psychophysical health.Depressive symptoms and/or sleep disturbances are frequent among psoriatic patients.This study investigates these issues comparing the sub-populations of mild and moderate-to-severe psoriatic patients, with special attention to the association between sleep and pruritus.In clinical practice, the link between psychopathological disturbances and psoriasis should not be underestimated.

Introversion, the prevalent trait of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies about adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis focus on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, only a few articles aim at evaluating the personality of these patients. Therefore, the purpose of the present research is to assess the personality traits of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and their relationship with HRQOL.Our hypothesis is that adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis present the principal personality trait of introversion, defined as self-reliance and inhibition in social relationships. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The examined group consisted of 43 patients (only 4 boys), mean age = 14.3 (SD = 2.23). On the day of the visit, HRQOL tools (Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS)) and a personality test (16 Personality Factors-Adolescent Personality Questionnaire (16PF-APQ)) were completed; in addition, a posterior-anterior radiography was performed. Correlations among demographic and medical data and HRQOL and personality tests were assessed. RESULTS: Results for SRS-22 were as follows: Function 4.5 (SD = .4), Pain 4.3 (SD = .5), Self-image 3.6 (SD = .7), Mental Health 3.8. (SD = .7), and Subtotal 4.2 (SD = .7). Mean TAPS was 3.5 (SD = .6).In personality, the lowest values were assessed for Extroversion (M = 29.4, SD = 24.7) and Self-reliance (M = 71, SD = 25.3).Independence was negatively related to Self-image (r = -.51), Mental Health (r = -.54), and Subtotal SRS-22 (r = -.60) (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis presented a common style of personality, characterized by social inhibition (introversion), preference for staying alone, and being self-sufficient (self-reliance).Specific programs in promoting social abilities may help adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis in finding a way to express themselves and to become more sociable. Correlational studies between personality and HRQOL need to be performed to better understand these issues.

Trunk appearance perception scale for physicians (TAPS-Phy) - a valid and reliable tool to rate trunk deformity in idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of trunk deformity by physicians in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has been considered an important part of clinical practice. Different methods to quantify the severity of trunk deformity by external observation have been reported. A valid tool to evaluate patients' perception of trunk deformity, the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS), is hereby validated for use by physicians (TAPS-Phy). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with non-surgically treated IS. Patients were prospectively recruited. On the day of the visit, a posterior-anterior radiograph in standard position and clinical photographs in three different views (anterior, posterior and forward bending position) were obtained. Patients also completed a TAPS questionnaire (TAPS-Pat). Three different observers scored the TAPS questionnaire (TAPS-Phy), based on the digital photographs previously obtained, twice a week. The angle of trunk inclination (ATRI) was also measured on digital photographs. Inter and intra-rater reliability was calculated through weighted kappa coefficient. External validity was tested by the Spearman correlation coefficient between the TAPS-Phy score and the scoliosis magnitude determined using the magnitude of the largest curve (MLC), ATRI, and TAPS-Pat. RESULTS: Fifty two patients (46 women; mean age 16.6 years) were included. The average curve magnitude of the major curve was 44°. Mean scores of TAPS-Phy for the three evaluators ranged from 3.4 to 3.5. No differences between the three means were found. TAPS-Phy showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.84). Inter-observer reliability ranged from slight to substantial (0.14 to 0.63); intra-observer reliability ranged from 0.35 to 0.99. Correlation between TAPS-Phy and ATRI (r = -0.54 to -0.75), MLC (r = -0.47 to -0.6) and TAPS-Pat (r = 0.29 to 0.34) were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TAPS-Phy is a valid and reliable scale to rate a physician's impression of the severity of the deformity in patients with idiopathic scoliosis and can be useful in routine clinical records.

Validity and reliability of photographic measures to evaluate waistline asymmetry in idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between radiological, clinical and perceived waistline asymmetry (WLA) in a sample of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients. METHODS: 77 patients were included (mean age 20.3 years; 85 % women). We obtained a full X-ray of the spine and back clinical photography for all patients. On photographs, waist height angle (WHA), right/left waist angles (WA) and right/left waistline distance ratio were measured. SRS22, Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS) and Spinal Appearance Questinnaire (SAQ) questionnaires were also completed. The intra and inter-observer reliability of each photographic measure was assessed. A correlation analysis between all variables was done using Pearson Correlations Coefficient. RESULTS: All measures reported have excellent intra- and inter-observer (ICC ≥0.8) reliability. A significant correlation was found between WHA and Cobb angle, mainly with Main Thoracic (MT) (r = -0.56). Right and left waist angles, and especially the difference between them (RLWAD), is related to the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TLL) curve. We have found a significant correlation between RLWAD and TLL curve magnitude (r = -0.54) and with the inclination of the lower end vertebra (LEV) (r = 0.74). Only WHA has a significant, but poor correlation (r â‰… 0.3) with trunk perception scales (TAPS and SAQ). No other significant correlations were found between WLA measures and patient related outcome scores. CONCLUSION: WLA measures proposed in this article are reliable tools to assess WLA. We have found a significant correlation between clinical WLA and skeletal deformity (Cobb angle). WHA is related with MT curve while the RLWAD depends on the TLL curve magnitude and its LEV. We have also found a significant relation between WHA and the patient's perception of the deformity. It seems that WLA is a cosmetic concern to take into account in clinical evaluation of IS patients.

Does patient perception of shoulder balance correlate with clinical balance?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between radiological, clinical and perceived shoulder balance (ShB) in a sample of non-operated, moderate, idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients. METHODS: 80 patients (85 % women) with a mean age of 20.3 years (SD 8.6, 12-40 years) were included. Mean Cobb angle was 45.9° (SD 12.9, 25.1°-77.2°). All patients had full spine X-ray and a digital photography from the front. To determine clinical ShB, shoulder height angle (SHA) and axilla height angle (AHA) were measured on clinical photographs. Radiological ShB was assessed with the clavicle-rib intersection angle and T1-tilt. Patients also completed different patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instruments: SRS-22, TAPS and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). SAQ included two questions concerning the shoulder area (SAQ-6 = perception and SAQ-13 = expectation) which were used to assess perceived ShB. Patients were divided into two groups: balanced (SHA <3.0°), and imbalanced (SHA ≥3.0°) according to minimal detectable change of SHA. The correlations between variables and mean differences between the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant correlations were found between clinical (SHA and AHA) and perceived ShB (SAQ-6), or with PRO scores. 62.5 % of patients were in the "Balanced" group. 46.6 % (14/30) of patients in the clinically imbalanced group (≥3.0°) perceive themselves as totally balanced (score 1 and 2 in SAQ-6), while 10 % (5/50) of patients in the balanced group (SHA <3.0°) perceive themselves as totally imbalanced (score 4 and 5 in SAQ-13). No differences were found between both groups in terms of radiological and perceived ShB, or in PRO scores. CONCLUSION: We have not found a significant correlation between clinical/radiological ShB and perceived ShB in non-operated IS patients. It seems that ShB is not a key factor in patient trunk deformity perception. In addition, patient expectations regarding improvement with treatment are not directly related to actual clinical imbalance.

Reliability and validity study of measurements on digital photography to evaluate shoulder balance in idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of digital photography as an evaluation method for shoulder balance (ShB) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients were included (mean age 20.3 years; 85% women). We obtained a full x-ray of the vertebral column and front and back clinical photography for all patients. For antero-posterior x-rays we measured the proximal thoracic curve angles (CPT). To evaluate radiological shoulder balance we calculated the clavicle-rib intersection angle (CRIA) and T1-tilt. For clinical photography we measured shoulder height angle (SHA), axilla height angle (AHA) and the left right trapezium angle (LRTA). We analyzed the reliability of the different photographic measurements and the correlation between these and the radiological parameters. RESULTS: The mean magnitude of PTC, CRIA and T1-tilt were 19°, -0.6° and 1.4° respectively. Mean SHA from the front was -1.7°. All photographic measurements revealed an excellent-near perfect intra and inter-observer reliability in both photographic projections. No correlation was found between the ShB and the magnitude of the PTC. A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical balance of the shoulders and radiological balance (r between 0.37 and 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Digital clinical photography appears to be a reliable method for objective clinical measurement of ShB. The correlation between clinical and radiological balance is statistically significant although moderate/weak.

Emotional indicators in young patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: a study through the drawing of Human Figure.

BACKGROUND: Investigating Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is considered determinant in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in clinical as in research field. The aim of the present study is to explore the most relevant aspects of personality of the patients with AIS and its relationship with HRQL. METHOD: 50 patients (mean age = 16 years) were given a socio-demographic data questionnaire, the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) and SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) -22. RESULTS: In Subtotal SRS-22, patients presented a mean value of 3.9. In HFD, half of these patients presented physical and/or emotional tensions with reference to the shoulders and almost all of them did not show any expression of aggressiveness. No relationship between personality and HRQL was confirmed. The older the patients were, the more body tension was discovered as well as the more concerns about their bodies they showed to have. There was also a correlation between growing old and a decreasing in Mental Health. Previous conservative treatment did not show any impact on personality or on HRQL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AIS suffer stress and general concern more frequently with the increase of age. We suggest an appropriate supportive treatment for this type of patients.

Body image in idiopathic scoliosis: a comparison study of psychometric properties between four patient-reported outcome instruments.

BACKGROUND: Four patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments are commonly used to assess body image in idiopathic scoliosis (IS): the Quality of Life Profile for Spinal Deformities (QLPSD), SRS-22 Self-Image scale, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), and Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS). The aim of this study is to compare the psychometric properties of these instruments in patients with IS and report the translational/cultural adaptation of the SAQ to Spanish. METHODS: The four instruments in a Spanish version were administered to 80 patients with IS aged 10 to 40 years old. The sample was stratified according to scoliosis magnitude (less and more than 45º). Analysis was also conducted for age groups. The psychometric properties studied included convergent and divergent construct validity, as well as internal consistency. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlation analysis between the self-image instruments and Cobb angle. Divergent validity was assessed with correlation analysis between PRO scores and SRS-22 dimensions scores such as Function, Pain and Mental Health. RESULTS: In the overall sample, each of the PRO instruments demonstrated high internal consistency (QLPSD Body Image, α = 0.80; SRS-22 Self Image, α = 0.78; SAQ, α = 0.89; TAPS, α = 0.87), also both for younger and adult patients subgroups. Correlation with curve magnitude was significant for each of the four scales. However, the correlation was higher for the pictorial scales (SAQ Appearance r = 0.61, TAPS r = -0.62) than for the textual scales (QLPSD-bi r = 0.36, SRS-22 Self-Image scale r = -0.41). In the younger group, correlation between Cobb angle and textual scales (QLPSD-bi and SRS-22 Self-Image Scale) was not significant. Body Image scales showed significant correlations with SRS-22 Pain, Function and Mental Health dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: All four instruments tested have good psychometric properties. Pictorial scales (SAQ Appearance and TAPS) correlated better with the radiological magnitude of the curve and this correlation is independent of age. Unexpectedly, all four scales demonstrated significant correlations with non-body image dimensions and the divergent hypothesis was not confirmed. Globally, pictorial scales showed slightly better construct validity to test body image perception than textual scales.

Spanish validation of Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ (brace).es) for adolescents with braces.

BACKGROUND: As a result of scientific and medical professionals gaining interest in Stress and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL), the aim of our research is, thus, to validate into Spanish the German questionnaire Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ) (mit Korsett), for adolescents wearing braces. METHODS: The methodology used adheres to literature on trans-cultural adaptation by doing a translation and a back translation; it involved 35 adolescents, ages ranging between 10 and 16, with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and wearing the same kind of brace (Rigo System Chêneau Brace). The materials used were a socio-demographics data questionnaire, the SRS-22 and the Spanish version of BSSQ(brace).es. The statistical analysis calculated the reliability (test-retest reliability and internal consistency) and the validity (convergent and construct validity) of the BSSQ (brace).es. RESULTS: BSSQ(brace).es is reliable because of its satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.809, p < 0.001) and temporal stability (test-retest method with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.902 (p < 0.01)).It demonstrated convergent validity with SRS-22 since the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.656 (p < 0.01). By undertaking an Exploratory Principal Components Analysis, a latent structure was found based on two Components which explicate the variance at 60.8%. CONCLUSIONS: BSSQ (brace).es is reliable and valid and can be used with Spanish adolescents to assess the stress level caused by the brace.