[TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE IN DERMATOLOGY- FURTHER PROMOTING PSORIASIS RESEARCH].

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects approximately 2-3% of the population worldwide. Translational medicine, which focuses on treating and analyzing diseases caused by translational factors, is becoming increasingly relevant in the field of psoriasis research. This review aims to display the current literature on the role of translational medicine in the treatment and understanding of psoriasis. We found that translational factors such as protein kinases and cytokines play a key role in the development and progression of psoriasis. Additionally, current treatments for psoriasis, such as biologics, target these translational factors to reduce inflammation and improve skin condition. Furthermore, studies have shown that genetic variations in translational-related genes can also contribute to the development of psoriasis. This highlights the importance of translational medicine in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis and developing increasingly effective treatments for this debilitating disease.

Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa: A large-scale population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been described, but the association between these conditions is yet to be firmly established. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between psoriasis and HS by using a large-scale real-life computerized database. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the prevalence of HS among patients with psoriasis with that among age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects. RESULTS: A total of 68,836 patients with psoriasis and 68,836 controls were included in the study. The prevalence of HS was increased in patients with psoriasis versus in those in the control group (0.3% vs 0.2%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.3; P < .001). In a multivariate analysis adjusting for smoking, obesity, and other comorbidities, psoriasis was still associated with HS (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.2; P < .001). Patients with coexistent psoriasis and HS were significantly younger (39.0 ± 15.7 vs 42.6 ± 21.2 years [P = .015]) and had a higher prevalence of obesity (35.1% vs 25.3% [P = .001]) and smoking (58.5% vs 37.3% [P < .001]) compared with patients with psoriasis alone. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective data collection. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association was observed between HS and psoriasis. Further longitudinal observational studies are necessary to establish these findings in other study populations.

Adult Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: Comprehensive Assessment of Demographic, Clinical, and Histopathological Features as Predictors for Systemic Involvement.

BACKGROUND: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a small-vessel IgA-predominant vasculitis. A major challenge in managing adult HSP is the difficulty assessing the risk of systemic involvement. There is currently a paucity of data in this area. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine demographic, clinical, and histopathological features associated with systemic involvement in adult HSP. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed demographical features and clinical and pathology data of 112 adult HSP patients seen at Emek Medical Center between January 2008 and December 2020. RESULTS: Of these patients, 41 (36.6%) had renal involvement, 24 (21.4%) had gastrointestinal tract involvement, and 31 (27.7%) had joint involvement. Age >30 years (p = 0.006) at diagnosis was an independent predictor of renal involvement. Platelet count (<150 K/µL) (p = 0.020) and apoptosis of keratinocytes on skin biopsy (p = 0.031) were also associated with renal involvement. History of autoimmune disease (p = 0.001), positive c-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p = 0.018), positive rheumatoid factor (p = 0.029), and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.04) were associated with joint involvement. Female sex (p = 0.003), Arab race (p = 0.036), and positive pANCA (p = 0.011) were associated with gastrointestinal tract involvement. LIMITATIONS: This study is retrospective. CONCLUSION: These findings may serve as a guide to stratify risk in adult HSP patients so that those at higher risk can be monitored more closely.

Factors associated with treatment satisfaction in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: results from the Global VOICE project.

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) report dissatisfaction with their treatment. However, factors related to treatment satisfaction have not been explored. OBJECTIVES: To measure associations between treatment satisfaction and clinical and treatment-related characteristics among patients with HS. METHODS: Treatment satisfaction was evaluated utilizing data from a cross-sectional global survey of patients with HS recruited from 27 institutions, mainly HS referral centres, in 14 different countries from October 2017 to July 2018. The primary outcome was patients' self-reported overall satisfaction with their current treatments for HS, rated on a five-point scale from 'very dissatisfied' to 'very satisfied'. RESULTS: The final analysis cohort comprised 1418 patients with HS, most of whom were European (55%, 780 of 1418) or North American (38%, 542 of 1418), and female (85%, 1210 of 1418). Overall, 45% (640 of 1418) of participants were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their current medical treatment. In adjusted analysis, patients primarily treated by a dermatologist for HS had 1·99 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·62-2·44, P < 0·001] times the odds of being satisfied with current treatment than participants not primarily treated by a dermatologist. Treatment with biologics was associated with higher satisfaction [odds ratio (OR) 2·36, 95% CI 1·74-3·19, P < 0·001] relative to treatment with nonbiologic systemic medications. Factors associated with lower treatment satisfaction included smoking (OR 0·78, 95% CI 0·62-0·99; active vs. never), depression (OR 0·69, 95% CI 0·54-0·87), increasing number of comorbidities (OR 0·88 per comorbidity, 95% CI 0·81-0·96) and increasing flare frequency. CONCLUSIONS: There are several factors that appear to positively influence satisfaction with treatment among patients with HS, including treatment by a dermatologist and treatment with a biologic medication. Factors that appear to lower treatment satisfaction include active smoking, depression, accumulation of comorbid conditions and increasing flare frequency. Awareness of these factors may support partnered decision making with the goal of improving treatment outcomes. What is already known about this topic? Nearly half of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa report dissatisfaction with their treatments. What does this study add? Satisfaction with treatment is increased by receiving care from a dermatologist and treatment with biologics. Satisfaction with treatment is decreased by tobacco smoking, accumulation of comorbid conditions including depression, and higher flare frequency. What are the clinical implications of this work? Awareness of the identified factors associated with poor treatment satisfaction may support partnered decision making and improve treatment outcomes.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Evaluating activity patterns and predictors of recalcitrant course-A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence regarding the course and activity patterns of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is yet to be delineated. OBJECTIVE: To identify activity patterns of HS throughout the time axis and to outline predictors of recalcitrant disease course. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study was performed to follow patients with HS (n = 4417) throughout the initial 10 years following their diagnosis. The disease was considered active in a certain month if one of the following criteria was fulfilled: (i) purchase of an HS-related drug, (ii) admission to a dermatological ward and (iii) referral to a dermatological consultation in an emergency room. Patients with a recalcitrant disease were defined as those with ≥5 years of follow-up with ≥6 'active months' each. Patients with an indolent course were defined as those experiencing ≥9 years of follow-up with ≤1 'active months' each. RESULTS: The average (SD) number of months in which patients had an active disease was 1.37 (1.28) months per year. While 98 (2.2%) patients pursued a recalcitrant course, 1390 (31.5%) went through an indolent disease course. Older age (≥38 years; adjusted OR, 6.17; 95% CI, 3.33-11.43), Arab ethnicity (adjusted OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.20-3.48), low socioeconomic status (adjusted OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.03-2.60), obesity (adjusted OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.25-5.34) and smoking (adjusted OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.57-4.47) were found to independently predict recalcitrant course of HS. CONCLUSIONS: Mild course is more frequently encountered than severe course among Israeli patients with HS. Modifiable risk factors of recalcitrant course should be carefully addressed.

Phototherapy for Generalized Pruritus of Unknown Origin: Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Phototherapy is a well-established therapy in dermatology. However, there is limited evidence regarding phototherapy for the treatment of generalized pruritus of unknown origin (GPUO). The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy in patients with GPUO. METHODS: Researchers conducted a retrospective review of the treatment outcomes of patients with GPUO who were treated with NB-UVB between 2004 and 2019 at their facility. RESULTS: Investigators included 67 patients diagnosed with GPUO treated with NB-UVB. Complete remission was achieved in more than 70% of the patients. No serious adverse events were documented. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with GPUO, NB-UVB may be a safe and effective treatment option.

Interviewing Women with Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Thematic and Content Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease with a higher prevalence in women. The disease results in a low quality of life as well as physical and psychological comorbidities. The authors sought to determine the effects of HS on women's self-perception and life experiences. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 women of varying age and family status. The content was transcribed and subjected to both thematic and content analyses. RESULTS: Five themes and a number of subthemes were revealed, involving physical, emotional, coping, and functional aspects. Somatic features, especially pain, were the most troubling issues, along with the emotional burden of shame and loss of femininity and intimacy. However, women also revealed strength and expressed optimism. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal the inner world of women coping with HS, addressing multiple dilemmas, problems, and concerns. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to the specific needs of these patients. Additional research is needed to further shed light on the impact of HS on women.

Evaluating patients' unmet needs in hidradenitis suppurativa: Results from the Global Survey Of Impact and Healthcare Needs (VOICE) Project.

BACKGROUND: A needs assessment for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) will support advancements in multidisciplinary care, treatment, research, advocacy, and philanthropy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate unmet needs from the perspective of HS patients. METHODS: Prospective multinational survey of patients between October 2017 and July 2018. RESULTS: Before receiving a formal HS diagnosis, 63.7% (n = 827) of patients visited a physician ≥5 times. Mean delay in diagnosis was 10.2 ± 8.9 years. Patients experienced flare daily, weekly, or monthly in 23.0%, 29.8%, and 31.1%, respectively. Most (61.4% [n = 798]) rated recent HS-related pain as moderate or higher, and 4.5% described recent pain to be the worst possible. Access to dermatology was rated as difficult by 37.0% (n = 481). Patients reported visiting the emergency department and hospital ≥5 times for symptoms in 18.3% and 12.5%, respectively. An extreme impact on life was reported by 43.3% (n = 563), and 14.5% were disabled due to disease. Patients reported a high frequency of comorbidities, most commonly mood disorders. Patients were dissatisfied with medical or procedural treatments in 45.9% and 34.6%, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Data were self-reported. Patients with more severe disease may have been selected. CONCLUSION: HS patients have identified several critical unmet needs that will require stakeholder collaboration to meaningfully address.

Coping with Psoriasis or Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are both chronic inflammatory skin diseases with significant comorbidity. This study aimed to examine how patients with psoriasis or HS cope with their conditions on a personal and psychosocial level, especially in times of clinical exacerbation and symptom deterioration. DESIGN: This qualitative initial study used the phenomenology model to examine patients' lived experiences through the lens of their disease. Via semistructured interviews and content analysis, researchers aimed to describe the subjective reality of people with HS or psoriasis and identify any common issues. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Six open pilot interviews with three patients with HS and three patients with psoriasis uncovered five cardinal domains affecting patients' lives. After completing all the interviews, transcripts were analyzed and classified numerically by frequency of identified terms and keywords. After classifications and data ranking, the main issues were identified and separated into the five domains. MAIN RESULTS: Researchers interviewed 20 patients (10 with psoriasis and 10 with HS). The five domains were distressing symptoms, struggling to cope with the disease, avoiding acute or recurrent eruptions, dealing with eruption, and information sources regarding the disease. Pain and pruritus were the most disturbing symptoms, and the remaining issues concerned the emotional, functional, and financial burden of these chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the symptoms of HS and psoriasis are different, this study reveals common denominators regarding the emotional side of living with chronic skin disease.

Acetic acid treatment for toe web infection caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa combined with fungal infection: A case series of ten patients.

Gram-negative bacterial toe web infection (GNBTWI) caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa combined with fungal infection has variety of treatments. However, these treatments have been poorly described in the literature. Our retrospective study describes patients that had been treated in our medical center with acetic acid combined with local antifungal treatment, to evaluate evidences for the appropriateness of this treatment. Ten patients with evidence of GNBTWI caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa combined with local fungal infection which have been treated with acetic acid in Emek Medical Center were identified. Eight patients (80%) had a complete response while two patients (20%) showed only a partial response. Side effects were minimal and included temporary stinging sensation. Acetic acid is a relatively cheap ingredient with minimal side effect profile and highly effective outcomes as a treatment for GNBTWI caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and should be considered as an adjuvant treatment.

Healthcare Service Utilization by 116,816 Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Israel.

Understanding of the epidemiology and healthcare service utilization related to atopic dermatitis is necessary to inform the use of new treatments. This cross-sectional study was based on a group of patients with atopic dermatitis and a matched control group comprised of age- and sex- matched enrolees without atopic dermatitis from a large medical database. Healthcare service utilization usage data were extracted and compared between groups. The study included 116,816 patients with atopic dermatitis and 116,812 controls. Atopic dermatitis was associated with an increased burden of healthcare utilization across the entire spectrum of healthcare services compared with controls. For patients severely affected by atopic dermatitis, the increased burden correlated with disease severity: a high-er frequency of emergency room visits (odd ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-1.9), dermatology wards hospitalizations (OR 315; 95% CI 0-7,342), and overall hospitalizations (OR 3.6; 95% CI 3.3-3.9). In conclusion, this study demonstrates an increased burden of healthcare utilization in atopic dermatitis.

Intraoperative Parathyroid Aspiration and Parathyroid Hormone Assay During Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Direct aspiration from suspected pathological tissue and rapid parathyroid hormone analysis may offer a reliable, cost effective alternative to currently used "gold standard" tests. OBJECTIVES: To validate the accuracy of intraoperative measurements of parathyroid hormone levels in parathyroid adenomas. METHODS: A prospective study included 22 patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy due to an adenoma or hyperplasia. Aspirations of tissues extracted from three adjacent areas (the pathological parathyroid, thyroid, and muscle tissues) were sent for rapid parathyroid hormone analysis. The assay values of these tissue aspirates were compared to the results of the pathology report based on frozen section analysis and the final pathology report. RESULTS: All assay results were significantly higher for parathyroid tissue 16,800 to 1,097,986 pmol/L (median 26,600), than for either thyroid 1.7 to 415 pmol/L (median 6.5), P < 0.001, or muscle tissue 1.1 to 1230 pmol/L, (median 11.3), P < 0.001. All tissues showing high parathyroid assay values were also verified by pathology examinations: 7 had adenomas and 15 had a differential diagnosis of adenoma or hyperplasia. The frozen section identified all but one (false negative). Rapid intraoperative parathyroid levels > 1500 predicted parathyroid tissue with a 99% level of confidence, while levels between 1000 and 1500 predicted it with 95% confidence. The intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay showed > 70% decrease in 15/21 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone analysis is a reliable and precise technique, equally accurate for frozen section analysis in predicting with high certainty intraoperative parathyroid tissue.

Ectopic presentation of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving primarily intertriginous skin areas. Ectopic HS lesions are a reported phenomenon that is not fully understood. We present a case report of a 66-year-old patient with painful symmetric ulcerated plaques on the posterior surface of the ankles and lower lip. In addition, we performed a systematic review on ectopic HS by conducting an electronic literature search to identify relevant contributions. Inclusion criteria included English-language and full texts only using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database. We found 22 eligible contributions reporting on a total of 58 patients. Most of the patients were men who had lesions on the head and neck region. The reviewed cases share common features with HS and may be considered disorders of follicular occlusion.

Skin and soft tissue infections in biological therapy for psoriasis-A case report and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Biological therapies are widely used for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis owing to their high efficacy and safety profile. However, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) have been reported in association with biological treatment in psoriasis. METHODS: We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis in an 18-year-old psoriasis patient with a history of severe combined immunodeficiency treated with secukinumab and conducted a systematic literature review of SSTIs associated with biological therapy for psoriasis. The literature review related to biological therapies for psoriasis between the years 1990 and 2020: Medline (PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for psoriasis, biological treatment, and skin and soft tissue infections. RESULTS: Over 1,300 titles were found, 24 of which met the inclusion criteria for our study: nine retrospective studies, nine randomized controlled trials, and six prospective studies. The data covered 10 biological treatments. More than 40,000 patients receiving biological treatment were included, and nearly 1,000 cases of SSTIs were documented. CONCLUSIONS: We present the available records regarding SSTIs among chronic plaque psoriasis patients given biological treatment. Most reported SSTIs were related to psoriasis patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors. In view of the presented data, biological treatment appears to be a safe mode of therapy for this aspect of psoriasis.

Mortality and risk factors among Israeli bullous pemphigoid patients.

There are differences concerning reported mortality rates and prognostic factors of bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients in different studies. Our objectives were to evaluate the mortality rates and prognostic factors among Israeli BP patients compared to matched control subjects. Three age- and sex-matched patients without BP (n = 261) who were treated in our clinic were selected and compared to BP patients (n = 87). Mean survival period of the BP group was 4.1 years (95% CI: 3.3-4.8 years) and 5.9 years among the non-BP group (95% CI: 5.6-6.3 years). The 1-year mortality rate was 24.1% for the BP group and 6.5% for the control group. In multivariate analysis, age above 80 was a significant risk factor for mortality [HR 3.22 (95% CI, 1.15-8.96), p = 0.03], while statins intake had a protective role [HR 0.36 (95% CI, 0.15-0.88), p = 0.03]. In univariant analysis, dementia [HR 2.44 (95% CI, 1.02-5.99), p = 0.04] was a risk factor. In conclusion, BP patients' mortality is correlated to increasing age at diagnosis, dementia, and statins use. Statins' protective role is newly discussed in the literature.