The expression of FOXP3 in lesions of several forms of leprosy in patients co-infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Brazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the relevance of this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients.

Therapeutic outcomes of pemphigus in a referral service in Northern Brazil: a retrospective study of 32 patients.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus are rare chronic autoimmune blistering disorders with challenging therapeutic management. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic outcomes of pemphigus patients admitted to a dermatology referral service in northern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 32 patients with histopathological diagnosis of pemphigus between 2010 and 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. Therapeutic outcome was evaluated according to the criteria proposed by the International Pemphigus Committee. Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) was used to quantify disease severity. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients, 68.75% had pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and 31.25% had pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Female-to-male ratio was 1:1. The average age was 49.5 years. All patients received oral prednisone as the first-line therapy. Adjuvant immunosuppressive drugs were gradually added in refractory and/or severe cases. After 24 months of treatment, disease control and complete remission rates were 37.5% and 25%, respectively. The mortality rate was 9.37%. PDAI score was significantly lower at 24 months of therapeutic follow-up (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic management with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs was able to induce disease control/complete remission in most of patients. PDAI was a useful tool for objective assessment of disease severity during therapeutic follow-up.

Kaposi's sarcoma in a HIV-positive patient: an exuberant and widespread case report in the Amazon.

A 37-year-old male patient, Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV, a student living in Belem, Amazon region, in 2015 had a confirmed diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but did not initiate antiretroviral treatment at his own option. Three years after the diagnosis, erythematous maculae appeared on the dorsum of the nose with rapid progression to the entire face, with posterior diffuse infiltration and appearance of nodules on the chin and shoulder. In December 2018, the patient presented with exacerbation of the condition with an increase in infiltrated violaceous plaques and disseminated violaceous nodules. A histopathological biopsy of the skin was performed, confirming the diagnosis of angiomatoid proliferation suggestive of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), with an important dissemination of this disease to the noble organs. In addition, it is important to note that he only started antiretroviral therapy (ART) after the exacerbation of Kaposi (December 2018). In such cases, chemotherapy associated with ART is crucial for the treatment and follow-up of the patient, since Kaposi's sarcoma develops relatively low in patients who do not have immunodeficiency.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis mimicking cutaneous lymphoma.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by protozoa of Leishmania genus that are transmitted to humans through the bite of sand flies (Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus). The infection is classically manifested as multiple or single ulcers affecting cutaneous and/or mucosal areas of the body. Atypical lesions are relatively uncommon, being able to simulate a large variety of benign and malign dermatological disorders. In this article, we described a case of CL mimicking a clinical presentation of cutaneous lymphoma.

Perfil dos casos de tuberculose com comorbidades em municípios paraenses de fronteira internacional nos anos de 2010 a 2019

Objetivos: Descrever e analisar o perfil socioepidemiológico e o desfecho dos casos de tuberculose associada com as comorbidades síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, alcoolismo, diabetes, doença mental e tabagismo no estado do Pará em populações residentes em três municípios situados na linha de fronteira internacional e em três municípios não fronteiriços, selecionados por suas populações equivalentes. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo de natureza observacional, transversal, com abordagem descritiva e analítica. Os dados levantados foram obtidos do Sistema de informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) para os casos de tuberculose nos municípios de Almeirim, Óbidos, Oriximiná, Juruti, Novo Repartimento e Tucumã no período de 2010 a 2019. Para a análise estatística aplicou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Foram notificados 286 casos de tuberculose com comorbidades, sendo 177 casos (61,8%) ocorridos em municípios paraenses situados na fronteira com Guiana e Suriname. O alcoolismo (36,4%) e o tabagismo (28,9%) foram as comorbidades mais frequentes. O teste Qui-quadrado revelou significância estatística (p <0,05) para a localização do município (p= 0,0343), onde 53,5% dos pacientes que não obtiveram cura da tuberculose residiam em municípios na linha de fronteira internacional. Conclusão: O desfecho de cura para os casos de tuberculose com comorbidades são menores em pacientes residentes em municípios localizados na linha de fronteira internacional quando comparado ao desfecho dos casos em pacientes residentes em municípios não fronteiriços.

Kaposi's sarcoma in persons living with HIV/AIDS: a case series in a tertiary referral hospital.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare neoplasm with indolent progression. Since 1981, the Kaposi's sarcoma epidemic has increased as co-infection with HIV. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the clinical and demographic characteristics and therapeutic approaches in HIV/AIDS patients in a regional referral hospital. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of 51 patients with histopathological diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma hospitalized at Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto (HUJBB) from 2004 to 2015. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of individuals 15 to 44 years of age (80.4%), male (80.4%), single (86.3%), and residing in Greater Metropolitan Belém, Pará State, Brazil. The primary skin lesions identified at diagnosis were violaceous macules (45%) and violaceous papules (25%). Visceral involvement was seen in 62.7%, mainly affecting the stomach (75%). The most frequent treatment regimen was 2 NRTI + NNRTI, and 60.8% were referred to chemotherapy. STUDY LIMITATIONS: We assumed that more patients had been admitted to hospital without histopathological confirmation or with pathology reports from other services, so that the current study probably underestimated the number of KS cases. CONCLUSION: Although the cutaneous manifestations in most of these patients were non-exuberant skin lesions like macules and papules, many already showed visceral involvement. Meticulous screening of these patients is thus mandatory, even if the skin lesions are subtle and localized.

Ocular manifestations of psoriasis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report the ocular manifestations observed in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Patients were included and referred to our ophthalmology clinic from dermatology clinics of Universidade do Estado do Pará between October 2013 and August 2014. Clinical interviews were conducted to identify relevant epidemiological data, clinical features, and treatment details, and data were recorded using the same protocol. Subsequent dermatological examinations were performed and disease severity was rated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and the Dermatological Life Quality Index. Complete eye examination was conducted, including visual acuity, biomicroscopy, tonometry, fundoscopy, Schirmer I test, tear breakup time, rose bengal staining, ocular surface disease index, and glaucoma tests. RESULTS: In total, we included 43 patients with psoriasis and 86 controls. Patients with psoriasis had statistically higher incidences of dry eye (16.28%), likely dry eye (32.56%), and blepharitis (16.28%). Furthermore, the rose bengal and ocular surface disease tests were more abnormal in patients with psoriasis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis should undergo regular eye exams, regardless of risk factors, to monitor for the progression of symptomatic or asymptomatic ocular manifestations.

Experiência exitosa de uma intervenção para mudança do estilo de vida dos pacientes hipertensos de uma Estratégia Saúde da Família em Barcarena, Pará

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência após a realização de um projeto de intervenção baseado em ações educativas e assistenciais voltados aos pacientes hipertensos cadastrados no Programa Hiperdia da USF São José do município de Barcarena, Pará. Método: Relato de experiência baseado na execução de rodas de conversa sobre hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), prevenção e tratamento; ações ressaltando a importância da atividade física no controle da doença, sobre educação alimentar e receitas saudáveis, respeitando a cultura local e alimentos regionais. O problema HAS foi escolhido com base na Matriz PES (Plano Estratégico Situacional). Foi realizada capacitação de toda a equipe, para abordagem dos pacientes de modo a melhorar a adesão destes ao tratamento medicamentoso e não medicamentoso. Resultados: Antes da execução da intervenção, observou-se que os pacientes vivenciavam um dia conturbado na UBS, de modo que seus níveis pressóricos eram elevados e estes tinham dificuldade em aderir ao tratamento. Após a intervenção, observou-se melhor engajamento da equipe de saúde, maior adesão ao tratamento pelos pacientes, melhor controle da PA durante as consultas e maior espaçamento entre as consultas de retorno, além de diminuírem as urgências hipertensivas. Conclusões: Espera-se dar continuidade ao projeto com criação de uma horta comunitária pela gestão para que a população tenha mais acesso a frutas e hortaliças, além de educador físico para supervisionar a prática de atividade aeróbica semanalmente. O acolhimento e a informação continuada sobre prevenção, tratamento medicamentoso e não medicamentoso da HAS, auxiliam para evitar eventos cardiovasculares incapacitantes.

Avaliação de Sintomas Depressivos e Associação com a Limitação de Atividade em Pacientes Acometidos por Hanseníase em uma Unidade de Referência / Evaluation of Depressive Symptons and Association with Limitation of Activity in Patients Affected by Leprosy at Reference Unit

Objetivos: analisar a frequência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes acometidos por Hanseníase em uma unidade de referência no estado do Pará, além de correlacionar a incidência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes acometidos por Hanseníase com o grau de limitação de atividades e com o grau de incapacidade física. Metodologia: estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo, com o uso da escala de depressão de Beck e do Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (Triagem de Limitação de Atividade e Consciência de Risco), que levou em consideração os pacientes acometidos pela hanseníase que fazem acompanhamento na Unidade de Referencia Especializada Marcello Candia. A casuística foi composta por 104 pacientes, de ambos os sexos. Resultados: presença de sintomas depressivos em 66,3% dos pacientes analisados, considerando um total de 14,4% com sintomas graves. Em relação à limitação de atividade, 73% dos pesquisados apresentavam algum grau de limitação de atividade, sendo que maior parte apresentava grau leve de limitação. Discussão: Houve correlação significativa entre o grau de incapacidade e a limitação física pela escala, visto que os pacientes com Grau II de incapacidade apresentavam uma média superior na escala quando comparados a pacientes com Grau 0. Conclusões: Os dados obtidos nesta pesquisa contribuem para que haja uma preocupação para além da integridade física do paciente com hanseníase, sinalizando a necessidade de um cuidado psicossocial e integral, o que deve incluir o rastreio de sintomas depressivos, além de intervenções clinicas e psicoterápicas no combate à depressão.Objetivos: analisar a frequência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes acometidos por Hanseníase em uma unidade de referência no estado do Pará, além de correlacionar a incidência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes acometidos por Hanseníase com o grau de limitação de atividades e com o grau de incapacidade física. Metodologia: estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo, com o uso da escala de depressão de Beck e do Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (Triagem de Limitação de Atividade e Consciência de Risco), que levou em consideração os pacientes acometidos pela hanseníase que fazem acompanhamento na Unidade de Referencia Especializada Marcello Candia. A casuística foi composta por 104 pacientes, de ambos os sexos. Resultados: presença de sintomas depressivos em 66,3% dos pacientes analisados, considerando um total de 14,4% com sintomas graves. Em relação à limitação de atividade, 73% dos pesquisados apresentavam algum grau de limitação de atividade, sendo que maior parte apresentava grau leve de limitação. Discussão: Houve correlação significativa entre o grau de incapacidade e a limitação física pela escala, visto que os pacientes com Grau II de incapacidade apresentavam uma média superior na escala quando comparados a pacientes com Grau 0. Conclusões: Os dados obtidos nesta pesquisa contribuem para que haja uma preocupação para além da integridade física do paciente com hanseníase, sinalizando a necessidade de um cuidado psicossocial e integral, o que deve incluir o rastreio de sintomas depressivos, além de intervenções clinicas e psicoterápicas no combate à depressão.

IMPACT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AND THEIR GUARDIANS. / IMPACTO DA DERMATITE ATÓPICA NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE PACIENTES PEDIÁTRICOS E SEUS RESPONSÁVEIS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis on the quality of life of pediatric patients in the age group of 5-16 years, and their parents, assisted at the Dermatology Department of Universidade do Estado do Pará in 2015. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 51 patients and their guardians, to whom two questionnaires about the quality of life were applied, the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI). To evaluate the severity of the disease, the researchers applied the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) evaluated the correlation between CDLQI, DFI, SCORAD, and the contingency coefficient C evaluated the association between the qualitative variables, considering p<0.05 significant. RESULTS: Of the patients, 55% were female. The average age was 9.5±3.2 years, and 41% had family income up ≤1 minimum wage. The average score was 5.4±5.1 for CDLQI, 6.6±4.5 for DFI, and 28.3±19.8 for SCORAD. The correlation among the scores CDLQI, DFI, and SCORAD was significant by the PPMCC (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Atopic dermatitis affects the quality of life of both children and their guardians, and indicates the importance of including the study of quality of life as a complement to clinical evaluation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da dermatite atópica na qualidade de vida de pacientes pediátricos de 5 a 16 anos e seus responsáveis, atendidos no serviço de dermatologia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) em 2015. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 51 pacientes juntamente com seus responsáveis, aos quais foram aplicados dois questionários de qualidade de vida, o Escore da Qualidade de Vida na Dermatologia Infantil (CDLQI) e o Impacto da Dermatite Atópica na Família (DFI). Para avaliar a gravidade da doença, os pesquisadores aplicaram o índice de Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). A correlação linear de Pearson foi aplicada para averiguar a correspondência entre os instrumentos CDLQI, DFI e SCORAD, e o coeficiente de contingência C para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis qualitativas. Considerou-se significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes, 55% pertenciam ao sexo feminino. A idade média foi de 9.5±3.2 anos, e 41% tinha renda familiar de até um salário-mínimo. A média dos escores foi de 5.4±5.1 para o CDLQI, 6.6±4.5 para o DFI e 28.3±19.8 para o SCORAD. Atestou-se correlação altamente significante entre os escores CDLQI, DFI e SCORAD pela correlação linear de Pearson (p<0.001). CONCLUSÕES: A dermatite atópica afeta a qualidade de vida tanto das crianças quanto de seus responsáveis, o que indica a importância de inserir o estudo da qualidade de vida de forma complementar à avaliação clínica dos pacientes.

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma.

Cutaneous lymphomas are classified according to their cellular origin into T-cell lymphoma and B-cell lymphoma. The annual incidence rate is 0.3 per 100,000 population. We report a case of a 56-year-old male patient who presented with a two-month history of nodules of varying sizes, some ulcerated, on the face, abdomen, and upper limbs. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of primary cutaneous centrofollicular lymphoma. Studies have shown an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the last decade. We report an infrequent case that should be kept as a differential diagnosis of patients with nodules and cutaneous papules.

Expression of interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 in leprosy reactions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus coinfection.

Previous studies suggest that coinfection of leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not decrease the frequency and intensity of leprosy reactions. However, the immunological aspects of leprosy reactions in coinfected patients remain obscure, with a limited number of studies showing contradictory results. Observational study using tissue samples collected during leprosy reactions from 15 patients coinfected with leprosy and HIV and from 15 patients with leprosy alone. Patients were part of a prior larger cohort study of leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection. Specific antibodies were used to detect IL-1ß and IL-6 expression in skin biopsy tissue cells. IL-1ß and IL-6 expression was similar between leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection (p>0.05). Coinfected and non-coinfected tissues showed similar levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 expression for type 1 reactions. A trend towards increased levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 expression was observed in tissue from coinfected patients (p=0.0024). The expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 during leprosy reactions did not differ significantly between tissues obtained from leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection. Therefore, we conclude that HIV coinfection does not affect the immunological pattern of leprosy reactions.

Vigilância e cuidado em tuberculose: uma experiência de aspectos da doença no território de uma Equipe de Saúde da Família em Ananindeua, Pará / Tuberculosis surveillance and care: an experience of aspects of the disease in the territory of a Family Health Team in Ananindeua, Pará

Este artigo objetiva relatar a experiência após a realização de um projeto de intervenção de controle da Tuberculose na Estratégia da Saúde da Família (ESF) Curuçambá, município de Ananindeua, Pará. A metodologia se deu a partir da realização de diagnóstico situacional por meio de busca ativa de novos casos de Tuberculose (TB) e Infecção Latente da Tuberculose (ILTB) mediante consultas médicas e/ou visitas domiciliares dos familiares dos casos que foram diagnosticados entre os anos de 2016 a 2018. Também ocorreram encontros e rodas de conversas com o intuito de ampliar conhecimentos sobre a Tuberculose, buscando conhecer suas particularidades nesta comunidade. Verificou ­se que 4 famílias possuíam um caso índice, geralmente um idoso que escondia a doença da família, revelando quando já se encontrava em estado grave e aos poucos outros membros apresentavam ­se sintomáticos. As famílias moravam em casas tipo barracões, escuras e com pouca ventilação, propiciando a maior disseminação da tuberculose, fato relatado como uma necessidade devido a situação de violência da comunidade. Foram diagnosticados 5 novos casos de TB e 9 casos de ILTB, demonstrando número elevado se considerarmos a população em estudo. Percebemos que nesta comunidade, assim como demonstram os dados nacionais, a tuberculose incide principalmente onde há baixo poder aquisitivo e com graves problemas socioeconômicos. Porém diferentemente do que é visto nacionalmente, nenhum tinha associação da infeção TB/HIV, confirmando o caráter familiar da transmissão da doença. O acolhimento da comunidade com encontros, rodas de conversas e ações que levem diagnóstico e tratamento, resulta na quebra do ciclo e contágio da doença.

This article aims to report the experience after carrying out a tuberculosis control intervention project in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) Curuçambá, municipality of Ananindeua, Pará. The methodology was based on the realization of a situational diagnosis through the active search for new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and Latent Tuberculosis Infection (ILTB) through medical consultations and/or home visits by family members of the cases that were diagnosed in the years 2016 to 2018. There were also meetings and rounds of conversations in order to expand knowledge about Tuberculosis, seeking to know its particularities in this community. It was found that 4 families had an index case, usually an elderly person who hid the disease from the family, revealing when he was already in serious condition and little by little other members were symptomatic. The families lived in houses that looked like shacks, dark and with little ventilation, providing the greatest spread of tuberculosis, a fact reported as a necessity due to the situation of violence in the community. Five new TB cases and 9 ILTB cases were diagnosed, showing a high number if we consider the study population. We realized that in this community, as shown by national data, tuberculosis affects mainly where there is low purchasing power and with serious socioeconomic problems. However, differently from what is seen at national level, none had an association of TB / HIV infection, confirming the family character of the transmission of the disease. The welcoming of the community with meetings, conversation circles and actions that lead to diagnosis and treatment, results in the breaking of the cycle and contagion of the disease.

Leprosy Reactions in Patients Coinfected with HIV: Clinical Aspects and Outcomes in Two Comparative Cohorts in the Amazon Region, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, can lead to scarring and deformities. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a lymphotropic virus with high rates of replication, leads to cell death in various stages of infection. These diseases have major social and quality of life costs, and although the relevance of their comorbidity is recognized, several aspects are still not fully understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Two cohorts of patients with leprosy in an endemic region of the Amazon were observed. We compared 40 patients with leprosy and HIV (Group 1) and 107 leprosy patients with no comorbidity (Group 2) for a minimum of 2 years. Group 1 predominantly experienced the paucibacillary classification, accounting for 70% of cases, whereas Group 2 primarily experienced the multibacillary classification (80.4% of cases). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of leprosy reactions among the two groups (37.5% for Group 1 vs. 56.1% for Group 2), and the most frequent reaction was Type 1. The appearance of Group 1 patients' reversal reaction skin lesions was consistent with each clinical form: typically erythematous and infiltrated, with similar progression as those patients without HIV, which responded to prednisone. Patients in both groups primarily experienced a single episode (73.3% in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2), and Group 1 had shorter reaction periods (≤3 months; 93.3%), moderate severity (80%), with 93.3% of the patients in the state of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and 46.7% presenting the reaction at the time of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study used a large sample and makes a significant contribution to the clinical outcomes of patients in the reactive state with comorbid HIV and leprosy. The data indicate that these diseases, although concurrent, have independent courses.

Comparison between histopathologic features of leprosy in reaction lesions in HIV coinfected and non-coinfected patients.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy and HIV are diseases that have a major impact on public health in Brazil. Patients coinfected with both diseases, appear to be at higher risk to develop leprosy reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the histopathological aspects of cutaneous lesions during reactional states in a group of patients with HIV-leprosy coinfection, compared to patients with leprosy, without coinfection. METHODS: Two groups were established: group 1 comprised of 40 patients coinfected with HIV-leprosy; group 2, comprised of 107 patients with leprosy only. Patients presenting reactional states of leprosy had their lesions biopsied and comparatively evaluated. RESULTS: Reversal reaction was the most frequent feature in both groups, with dermis edema as the most common histopathological finding. Giant cells were seen in all group 1 histopathological examinations. Dermis edema was the most common finding in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum. CONCLUSION: Few histopathological differences were found in both groups, with reversal reaction as the most significant one, although this fact should be analyzed considering the predominant BT clinical form in the coinfected group and BB form in the group without HIV. Larger prospective studies in patients with HIV-leprosy coinfection are needed to confirm and broaden these results.

Evaluation of cases of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus from a reference service in Pará state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigusis a bullous, rare and chronic autoimmune disease. There are two major forms of pemphigus: vulgaris and foliaceus. Epidemiological data and clinical outcome in patients diagnosed in the Brazilian Amazon states are still rare. OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence of the disease during the study period and analyze the epidemiological profile of patients, the most common subtype of pemphigus, and the clinical evolution of patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of hospitalized patients with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in the period from 2003 to 2010 in Dermatology Service of Hospital Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará, Belém, Northern Brazil. RESULTS: We found a total of 20 cases of pemphigus during the study period, 8 of which were of foliaceus pemphigus and 12 of vulgaris pemphigus. Pemphigus foliaceus had the predominance of male patients (75%), showed satisfactory clinical evolution, and was characterized by absence of pediatric cases. Pemphigus vulgaris affected more women (66.7%), showed mean hospital stay of 1 to 3 months (50%), and there were three cases of death (25%). The prescribed immunosuppressive drugs included prednisone with or without combination of azathioprine and/or dapsone. Sepsis was associated with 100% of the deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of the disease is rare, there are no familiar/endemic outbreaks in the sample. Evolution is usually favorable, but secondary infection is associated with worse prognosis. The choice of best drugs to treat pemphigus remains controversial.

Diclofenac topical gel in excisional wounds maintain heal quality and reduce phlogistic signals.

PURPOSE: To investigate diclofenac topical gel as an alternative to reduce phlogistic signals and maintain quality of wound repair. METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats were used in this study; four excisional wounds were performed on the dorsum of each animal. Once in a day, cranial wounds received topical diclofenac gel administration and caudal wounds were washed with isotonic saline. After seven, 14 and 21 postoperative days, five animals were randomly chosen for macroscopic and microscopic wound analysis. RESULTS: On the 7th day: diclofenac wounds showed significant higher scab formation, however showed less phlogistic signal; diclofenac wounds had larger area and had less neutrophil invasion. On the 14th day: No area difference was noted and diclofenac wounds showed less hyperemia and phlogistic signals; diclofenac wounds showed greater keratinocytes invasion. On the 21st day: Almost all wounds were closed and there were no difference regarding the type of scar formation; diclofenac wounds showed greater monocytes invasion and lower angiogenesis level. No difference was noted in any postoperative day regarding fibroblast invasion, collagen deposit quantity and quality. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac topical gel is capable of reducing phlogistic signals and do not cause fibroblast or keratinocyte downregulation thus do not lead to excisional wound healing impairment.

Clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic profile of dermatophytosis.

BACKGROUND: The cutaneous mycoses, mainly caused by dermatophyte fungi, are among the most common fungal infections worldwide. It is estimated that 10% to 15% of the population will be infected by a dermatophyte at some point in their lives, thus making this a group of diseases with great public health importance. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic profile of dermatophytosis in patients enrolled at the Dermatology service of Universidade do Estado do Pará, Brazil, from July 2010 to September 2012. METHOD: A total of 145 medical records of patients diagnosed with dermatophytosis were surveyed. Data were collected and subsequently recorded according to a protocol developed by the researchers. This protocol consisted of information regarding epidemiological and clinical aspects of the disease and the therapy employed. RESULTS: The main clinical form of dermatophyte infection was onychomycosis, followed by tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and tinea capitis. Furthermore, the female population and the age group of 51 to 60 years were the most affected. Regarding therapy, there was a preference for treatments that combine topical and systemic drugs, and the most widely used drugs were fluconazole (systemic) and ciclopirox olamine (topical). CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of recurrent analysis of the epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis to enable correct therapeutic and preventive management of these conditions, which have significant clinical consequences, with chronic, difficult-totreat lesions that can decrease patient quality of life and cause disfigurement.

Psoriasiform keratosis - case report.

Psoriasiform Keratosis is a rare clinic entity. The etiopathogenesis remains unknown and the disease is characterized by a solitary, scaly or keratotic papule, or plaque mainly located on the extremities. Histopathological features closely resemble those of psoriasis. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman presenting a solitary and asymptomatic keratotic plaque, located on the back of the left leg, unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. We performed an excisional biopsy and histopathology was consistent with psoriasiform keratosis.