Bibliometric evaluation of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2013-2022)

Abstract The Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, published since 1925, is the most influential dermatological journal in Latin America, indexed in the main international bibliographic databases, and occupies the 50th position among the 70 dermatological journals indexed in the Journal of Citations Reports, in 2022. In this article, the authors present a critical analysis of its trajectory in the last decade and compare its main bibliometric indices with Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The journal showed consistent growth in different bibliometric indices, which indicates a successful editorial policy and greater visibility in the international scientific community, attracting foreign authors. The increases in citations received (4.1 ×) and in the Article Influence Score (2.9×) were more prominent than those of the main Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The success of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in the international scientific scenario depends on an assertive editorial policy, on promptly publication of high-quality articles, and on institutional stimulus to encourage clinical research in dermatology.

Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update

Abstract Female androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is highly prevalent and has a great impact on the quality of life. The treatment is a routine challenge in dermatological practice, as many therapeutic options have a limited level of evidence and often do not meet patients expectations. Lack of knowledge of the pathogenesis of the hair miniaturization process and the factors that regulate follicular morphogenesis restricts the prospect of innovative therapies. There is also a lack of randomized, controlled studies with longitudinal follow-up, using objective outcomes and exploring the performance of the available treatments and their combinations. Topical minoxidil, which has been used to treat female pattern hair loss since the 1990s, is the only medication that has a high level of evidence and remains the first choice. However, about 40% of patients do not show improvement with this treatment. In this article, the authors critically discuss the main clinical and surgical therapeutic alternatives for FPHL, as well as present camouflage methods that can be used in more extensive or unresponsive cases.

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology.

The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology

Abstract The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

Minimally invasive procedures for the management of female pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is one of the most common types of hair loss in women. It is characterized by progressive follicular miniaturization leading to diffuse hair thinning over the midfrontal scalp with a negative impact on quality of life. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used, and hair follicle transplantation is an option for those cases with adequate donor area. Minimally invasive procedures, such as microneedling, mesotherapy, microinfusion of drugs into the scalp with tattoo machines (MMP®), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been reported as adjuvant treatments. AIMS: This study aims to summarize and discuss the efficacy of minimally invasive procedures described for the management of FPHL. METHODS: Published articles indexed on the Pubmed database and Scopus that described minimally invasive procedures for the management of FPHL in humans were considered. Citations were reviewed and added for completeness. The search was for articles in English only. After excluding duplicate titles, 23 relevant articles were considered. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive procedures are promising options and may play a role in FPHL treatment. They can be used as adjunctive therapy for FPHL, in case of poor response to clinical therapy, or when patients prefer other care than the standard. We reinforce that these methods should be performed by an experienced medical professional following strict aseptic techniques. However, microneedling, mesotherapy, MMP, and PRP lack standardization and are supported by a low level of evidence yet. For the future, larger randomized clinical trials are essential to determine the efficacy and optimal protocols for these treatments.

Risk factors for frontal fibrosing alopecia: A case-control study in a multiracial population.

BACKGROUND: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a chronic cicatricial alopecia with unknown etiology and a worldwide rising incidence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of FFA with demographic and exposure factors in a Brazilian multiracial population. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted in 11 referral centers throughout Brazil. The study was a case-control study that prospectively recruited 902 participants (451 patients with FFA and 451 sex-matched control individuals). Study participants completed a thorough questionnaire comprising variables grouped as baseline demographics, environmental exposure, diet, hormonal factors, allergies, and hair and skin care. RESULTS: When adjusted by sex, age, menopause, and skin color, FFA was associated with hair straightening with formalin (odds ratio [OR], 3.18), use of ordinary (nondermatologic) facial soap (OR, 2.09) and facial moisturizer (OR, 1.99), thyroid disorders (OR, 1.69), and rosacea (OR, 2.08). Smokers (OR, 0.33) and users of antiresidue/clarifying shampoo (OR, 0.35) presented a negative association with FFA. There was no association with the use of sunscreen. LIMITATIONS: Recall bias. CONCLUSIONS: The association with moisturizers, ordinary facial soap, and hair straightening with formalin and the negative association with antiresidue/clarifying shampoo reinforce the possibility of an exogenous particle triggering FFA.

Escorbuto em paciente bariátrica com cardiopatia grave. Relato de caso / Scurvy in patient bariatric with severe heart disease. Case report

Contexto: Escorbuto tem sido identificado, modernamente, com certa frequência devido ao aumento de fatores de riscos como neoplasias, bypass gástrico, quadros infecciosos, uso crônico de diuréticos, doenças neuropsiquiátricas, alcoolismo, dieta inadequada e progressivo envelhecimento populacional, com mais idosos morando sozinhos. Relato de caso: Apresentamos o caso de paciente pós-bariátrica, sexo feminino, 43 anos, cardiopata grave sob longa internação em uso de altas doses de diuréticos e drogas vasoativas, que desenvolveu púrpuras e equimoses espontâneas nos membros inferiores e no abdome. O tratamento com vitamina C endovenosa levou à melhora clínica das lesões e da condição hemodinâmica em três semanas. Discussão: O escorbuto se manifesta de forma insidiosa e pouco específica em pacientes com comorbidades crônicas. Alterações hemorrágicas (petéquias, equimoses, sangramento gengival), edema articular, fadiga, anorexia, anemia, xerose, e susceptibilidade a infecções, devem levar à suspeita clínica em pacientes de risco. Conclusão: Os clínicos devem estar atentos ao diagnóstico do escorbuto moderno, especialmente, em pacientes bariátricos.

Consensus on the treatment of alopecia areata - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Alopecia areata is a highly frequent disease with an impact on quality of life and several treatment options with little clinical confirmatory evidence. Objective: To disseminate the recommendations of Brazilian dermatologists with expertise in the treatment of alopecia areata. Methods: Eight specialists with expertise in alopecia areata from different university centers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on its treatment. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the relevant elements were considered; then, an analysis of recent literature was carried out and the consensus was written down. Consensus on the management of alopecia areata was defined with the approval of at least 70% of the panel. Results/Conclusions: Intralesional injectable corticotherapy was considered the first option for localized disease in adults. In extensive cases with signs of activity, systemic corticosteroid therapy should be considered and can be used together with immunosuppressants (corticosteroid-sparing agents). The use of an immunosensitizer (diphencyprone) is an option for stable long-term cases. Evaluation of side effects is as important as the rate of hair regrowth.

Androgen sensitivity gateway to COVID-19 disease severity.

In this communication, we present arguments for androgen sensitivity as a likely determinant of COVID-19 disease severity. The androgen sensitivity model explains why males are more likely to develop severe symptoms while children are ostensibly resistant to infection. Further, the model explains the difference in COVID-19 mortality rates among different ethnicities. Androgen sensitivity is determined by genetic variants of the androgen receptor. The androgen receptor regulates transcription of the transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which is required for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. TMPRSS2 primes the Spike protein of the virus, which has two consequences: diminishing viral recognition by neutralizing antibodies and activating SARS-CoV-2 for virus-cell fusion. Genetic variants that have been associated with androgenetic alopecia, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome could be associated with host susceptibility. In addition to theoretical epidemiological and molecular mechanisms, there are reports of high rates of androgenetic alopecia of from hospitalized COVID-19 patients due to severe symptoms. Androgen sensitivity is a likely determinant of COVID-19 disease severity. We believe that the evidence presented in this communication warrants the initiation of trials using anti-androgen agents.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis: severe side effects of pentavalent antimonial in a patient with chronic renal failure

Abstract: Pentavalent antimonials are the first-line drug treatment for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. We report on a patient with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis who presented with cutaneous lesions of leishmaniasis for four months. The patient was treated with intravenous meglumine under strict nephrological surveillance, but cardiotoxicity, acute pancreatitis, pancytopenia, and cardiogenic shock developed rapidly. Deficient renal clearance of meglumine antimoniate can result in severe toxicity, as observed in this case. These side effects are related to cumulative plasma levels of the drug. Therefore, second-line drugs like amphotericin B are a better choice for patients on dialysis.

Translation into Portuguese language (Brazil), transcultural adaptation and validation of the quality of life questionnaire in female pattern hair loss (WAA-QoL-BP)

Abstract: Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common complaint in adult women and inflicts major impact in quality of life, however, there is no specific questionnaire available in Portuguese for such evaluation. Objectives: Translation into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and validation of the WAA-QoL (Women's Androgenetic Alopecia Quality of Life Questionnaire). Methods: Methodological study. After authorization by the author, cultural (linguistic) translation and adaptation to Portuguese of the WAA-QoL questionnaire were carried out. The translated version (WAA-QoL-BP) and DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality index) were submitted to patients with FPHL for concurrent validation. Twenty patients were reevaluated to assess temporal stability. Results: A total of 116 patients with APF were evaluated, the mean age (SD) was 47 (14) years, and 89 (76%) patients were classified as grades II and III (Sinclair). There was high internal consistency: Cronbach´s alpha was 0.97 for the WAA-QoL-BP and 0.87 for the DLQI. The correlation between WAA-QoL and DLQI resulted in (rho) 0.81 (p <0.01). The intraclass correlation coefficient for complete agreement of WAA-QoL-BP was 0.95 (p <0.01) in the test-retest comparison. Study Limitations: Sampling of patients only from the State of São Paulo. Conclusions: A Brazilian version for WAA-QoL was translated and adapted, which proved to be valid and consistent.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor overexpression in miniaturized follicles in female pattern hair loss

Abstract The etiopathogenesis of female pattern hair loss is still poorly understood. In addition to genetic and hormonal elements, environmental factors could be involved. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and can be activated by environmental pollutants leading to alterations in the cell cycle, inflammation, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate the overexpression of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptors in miniaturized hair follicles in female pattern hair loss.

Female Pattern Hair Loss: a clinical and pathophysiological review

AbstractFemale Pattern Hair Loss or female androgenetic alopecia is the main cause of hair loss in adult women and has a major impact on patients' quality of life. It evolves from the progressive miniaturization of follicles that lead to a subsequent decrease of the hair density, leading to a non-scarring diffuse alopecia, with characteristic clinical, dermoscopic and histological patterns. In spite of the high frequency of the disease and the relevance of its psychological impact, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, being influenced by genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. In addition, response to treatment is variable. In this article, authors discuss the main clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of female pattern hair loss.

Apoptose, microinflamação e expressão de receptores de hidrocarboneto arílico nos folículos pilosos de pacientes com alopecia de padrão feminino / Apoptosis, microinflamation and expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in hair follicles of patients with female pattern hair loss

Alopecia de padrão feminino, ou alopecia androgenética feminina, é a principal causa de queda de cabelos em mulheres adultas, e inflige importante impacto na qualidade de vida das pacientes. Decorre da progressiva miniaturização de folículos pilosos e posterior diminuição da densidade dos fios, originando um quadro de alopecia difusa não cicatricial, com padrão clínico, dermatoscópico e histológico característicos. Apesar da elevada frequência e da relevância quanto ao impacto psicológico, sua fisiopatogenia não é ainda totalmente esclarecida, sofrendo influência de elementos genéticos, hormonais e ambientais. Além disso, a resposta ao tratamento é inconstante. Os receptores de hidrocarboneto arílico (AhR) podem ser ativados por diversos ligantes ambientais como poluentes (p. ex. dioxinas), fumaça do tabaco, radiação ultravioleta e pela ação microbiana (p.ex. Malassezia sp.), podendo exercer atividade proinflamatória, proapopótica, hormonal e carcinogênica, de acordo com o fator ativador e tecido alvo. Sua ação no folículo piloso e na alopecia de padrão feminino não foi ainda estudada. Neste trabalho, os autores avaliam a apoptose, infiltrado inflamatório e expressão de receptores de hidrocarboneto arílico nos folículos pilosos de pacientes com alopecia de padrão feminino. Foi conduzido um estudo transversal envolvendo 17 mulheres com alopecia de padrão feminino e cinco controles. Avaliaram-se amostras de pele do couro cabeludo que foram processados para HE, técnica do TUNEL e imuno-histoquímica para receptor de hidrocarboneto arílico. As variáveis foram comparadas de acordo com o grupo de folículos (terminal versus miniaturizado) e os grupos de pacientes (alopecia versus controles)...

Female pattern alopecia, or female androgenetic alopecia, is the main cause of hair loss in adult women and causes major impact on patient´s quality of life. It evolves from the progressive miniaturization of follicles that lead to a subsequent decrease of the hair density, leading to a non-scarring diffuse alopecia, with characteristic clinical, dermoscopic and histological pattern. Despite the high frequency and relevance about the psychological impact, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, but is influenced by genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. In addition, response to treatment is incostant. In this article, authors discuss the main clinical, epidemiological and physiopathological aspects of female pattern hair loss...