Dermoscopic features of nails in Leprosy patients in a tertiary referral hospital in West Java, Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease, mainly affecting the skin and peripheral nerves, caused by the obligate intracellular bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. The disease has been discussed in several review articles in recent research, but as far as we know, only a few have addressed the effects of leprosy on nails, especially those who examine the dermoscopic features of nails in leprosy patients. PURPOSES: We aimed to document nail changes in leprosy patients and identify any particular findings through dermoscopic examination. METHOD: This was an observational study conducted in the Dermatology and Venereology Clinic of Hasan Sadikin Hospital, West Java, Indonesia, from March 2023 through May 2023. All patients have established cases of leprosy, and the diagnosis is based on clinical and bacteriological examinations. Recruitment was done through total sampling. Dermoscopic examination of all fingernails and toenails was performed at 10x magnification using a handheld dermatoscope (Heine DELTA 20 T Dermatoscope) in polarized mode without the linkage fluid to document the dermoscopic features. RESULT: Of a total of 19 patients, 15 had nail changes due to leprosy. Out of 15 patients, 13 patients were male. Patients below 25 years old had more nail changes. Most of the patients had a duration of disease greater than two years. Both fingers and toes were involved in nine patients. In this study, the most common dermoscopic feature found was the longitudinal ridge. Other dermoscopic features found in this study were transverse lines, onycholysis, longitudinal melanonychia, leukonychia, subungual hemorrhage, subungual hyperkeratosis, anonychia, and onychorrexis. CONCLUSION: Nail changes are found in leprosy patients and have a wide variety of clinical appearances. A dermoscopy should be performed to assess nail changes in leprosy.

Application of CL Detect™ rapid test for diagnosis and liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care centre in a non-endemic area in India.

Background Increasing urbanisation has led to the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in new areas, which was otherwise localised to endemic areas. Healthcare workers should be made aware of this entity to ensure clinical suspicion of CL and investigations needed to confirm CL. The article describes patients seen at a tertiary hospital in Delhi. Aims To establish the utility of the CL Detect Rapid test as a diagnostic tool and the efficacy of Liposomal Amphotericin B (LAmB) for the complete cure of CL patients. Methods Data of patients of CL (n = 16) was retrospectively analysed concerning diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis rested on histopathology, real-time PCR, and CL Detect Rapid Test. Speciation of the parasite was based on the Internal transcribed spacer-I gene. Patients were treated with LAmB (i.v., 5 mg/kg up to three doses, five days apart). Results A positivity of 81.3% (95%CI, 54.4-96) was observed for CL Detect Rapid test in comparison with 100% (95%CI, 79.4-100.0) for real-time PCR and 43.8% (95%CI, 19.8-70.1) for microscopy/histopathological examination. L. tropica was the infective species in all cases. All the patients treated with LAmB responded to treatment, and 9/10 patients demonstrated complete regression of lesions, while one was lost to follow-up. Limitations It is a retrospective study, and the data includes only confirmed cases of CL at a single centre. Conclusion This study highlights the utility of CL Detect as a promising diagnostic tool and the efficacy of LAmB for the complete cure of CL.

Prevalence of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Background Though diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-recognised risk factor for onychomycosis (OM), the epidemiology of OM in diabetic patients remains largely unexplored, especially from the Indian subcontinent. Aims and objectives To estimate the prevalence of OM in diabetic patients, to identify and analyse risk factors, and correlate the severity of nail changes with glycemic control (HBA1c). Methods This cross-sectional, analytical study involved 300 diabetic patients. Patients with the clinical diagnosis of OM, supplanted by at least two of the four tests (KOH, culture, onychoscopy and nail histopathology) were considered cases of OM. Demographic and haematological profile was analysed using chi-square test/ Fischer's exact test. Logistic regression was applied to assess the independent risk factors. Results The prevalence of OM in DM patients was 34% (102/300) and significant risk factors included; age >60 years, male gender, closed shoes, disease duration >5 years, high BMI (>25) and lack of awareness about nail changes. Distal and lateral subungual OM (78%) was the commonest presentation followed by proximal subungual OM, superficial OM and total dystrophic OM. Correlation between HbA1c and the number of nails involved was found to be significant. Limitation As cases were recruited from a hospital setting, there could be chances of Berksonian bias. Conclusion The prevalence of OM in diabetic patients is high and the severity of nail changes correlates with HbA1C levels. It is important to diagnose OM early in order to treat and prevent complications.

Linear trends over 20 years in sexually transmitted infections among patients attending a tertiary care centre in north Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, a declining trend is observed in sexually transmitted infections of bacterial origin which is reflected as a rise in the proportion of viral sexually transmitted infections. AIMS: To find out the clinical referral patterns of sexually transmitted infections among patients who attended the sexually transmitted infection clinic attached to Dermatology and Venereology Department of Government Medical College, Kozhikode from 1.1.1998 to 31.12.2017 and to study the linear trends in the pattern of sexually transmitted infections over 20 years. METHODS: After clearance from the institutional ethics committee, a retrospective study was conducted among patients who attended the sexually transmitted infection clinic of Government Medical College, Kozhikode from 1.1.1998 to 31.12.2017 and were diagnosed to have sexually transmitted infections. RESULTS: During the 20 year study period 5227 patients, attended the sexually transmitted infection clinic of our institution. Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection was made in 2470 (47.3%) cases. Predominant sexually transmitted infections were herpes genitalis (964, 39%), condyloma acuminata (921, 37.9%) and syphilis (418, 17.2%). Viral sexually transmitted infections (1885, 76.3%) outnumbered bacterial sexually transmitted infections (575, 23.3%). A declining trend was noted for both bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections over the 20 year period, which was more marked for the former. But the latter years of the study documented a rising trend in total sexually transmitted infections including bacterial sexually transmitted infections. LIMITATIONS: The study does not reflect the status of sexually transmitted infections in the general population since it was conducted in a tertiary referral center. CONCLUSION: The disturbing ascending trend recorded in sexually transmitted infections including syphilis during the final years of the 20-year period needs to be watched closely, to plan future strategies.

Clinicodermoscopic and immunopathological profile of non-infectious non-eczematous inflammatory tattoo reactions: A retrospective study from a tertiary care centre of East India.

Introduction Tattoo-associated complications are on the rise due to the popularity of decorative tattoos in recent years. The exact pathogeneses of various tattoo reaction patterns are still unclear, and their dermoscopic details are sparsely reported. Aim We aimed to retrospectively study the clinical, dermoscopic and immunopathological details of patients with non-infectious, non-eczematous inflammatory tattoo reaction patterns in a tertiary care centre of East India. Method The clinical, dermoscopic and pathological details of all the patients who had non-infectious, non-eczematous inflammatory tattoo reactions were collected. In all the cases, immunohistochemistry was done for CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD20 and CD56. Results A total of five patients of skin phototypes IV and V and six tattoo reactions were analysed. Five lesions had reactions at the site of a black tattoo, and one at the site of red tattoo. Clinically, the patients presented with erythematous or blue-grey flat-topped to verrucous papules and plaques. Dermoscopic features were dominated by a central white to pink-white structureless area, a peripheral grey-white to bluish-white structureless area, white scales, comedo-like opening with keratotic plugging, milia-like cysts and shiny white structures. Pathologically, except for one lesion that only showed a lichenoid reaction pattern in the red tattoo, all had a combination of reaction patterns. Immunohistochemistry showed increased epidermal and dermal Langerhans cells, predominantly CD8 positive T cells in the epidermis and dermis, sparse dermal B cells and CD4 positive T cells, reduced T regulatory cells and a complete absence of CD56 positive NK cells. Limitations Small sample size was the limitation of the study. Conclusion The clinical morphology and dermoscopy may not differentiate between various types of non-infectious non-eczematous inflammatory tattoo reactions. The immunological profile supports a delayed hypersensitivity reaction due to contact sensitisation to tattoo pigment, and CD8 positive T cells play a central role in executing various pathological reaction patterns, both in the epidermis and dermis.

Patient perception and satisfaction with a smartphone-based teledermatology service initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Background Telemedicine is being increasingly used to provide healthcare to patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims The study aimed to study patient perception and satisfaction with a smartphone-based hybrid teledermatology service initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional telephonic survey including patients ≥18 years of age who had received a teledermatology consultation. After noting the demographic, clinical and teleconsultation details, patients were administered the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire and an additional 6-item questionnaire. Patients were also asked to give qualitative feedback and suggestions for improvement using a semi-structured interview guide. Results We interviewed 201 subjects. The most common diagnoses were pemphigus (27, 13.4%), superficial fungal infections (24, 11.8%), psoriasis (22, 10.9%) and dermatitis (21, 10.4%). The overall mean Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire score was 4.20± 0.71. One hundred seventy-one (85.1%) patients responded that they would use teledermatology services again, while 168 (83.6%) reported satisfaction with the quality of services. A majority of the patients were largely satisfied with the various components involved, though some concerns were raised about the care perceived as not at par with physical consultations, difficulty in procuring medicines, lack of confidence in photographic diagnoses and the lack of a personal touch. Patients with urticaria (P=0.020), those who were advised a change in treatment (P=0.029) and those with improvement in their skin disease (P=0.026) were more likely to be satisfied. Limitations Our study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when patient acceptability was likely to be higher. Only follow-up patients were included in the study. Conclusion Patient satisfaction levels were generally high with teledermatology. Addressing lacunae that negatively impact patient perception and satisfaction will help in greater acceptance of teledermatology services.

Clinical and epidemiological trends in childhood leprosy: A 20-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary care hospital in Jammu, North India.

Background Slightly more than half the total number of childhood leprosy cases worldwide are from India. Aim To analyze the clinical and epidemiological trends of childhood leprosy over 20 years in a tertiary care hospital. Methods We retrieved the medical records of all children less than 15 years of age registered in the leprosy clinic between April 1998 and March 2018. We tabulated and analyzed data pertaining to demographic details along with clinical findings such as cutaneous lesions, nerves involved, sensory loss, deformities, reactions, smear status, histopathology and treatment. Results Out of total 1548 leprosy cases registered during the study period, 55 (3.55%) cases of childhood leprosy were diagnosed. Thirty five (63.6%) children were in the age group of 11-15 years and 83.7% were migrants from other states. Thirteen (23.6%) children reported contact with a diagnosed case of leprosy, mainly in close contacts. Fifty three (96.4%) children presented with cutaneous lesions while 2 (3.6%) had pure neural involvement. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy was the most common clinical presentation in 27 (49.1%) followed by borderline lepromatous leprosy in 11 (18%). Thickened peripheral nerve trunks were detected in 42 (76.4%), most commonly the ulnar nerve. Reactional episodes occurred in 12 (21.8%) cases (Type 1 reaction, 10 (18.2%); Type 2 reaction, 2 (3.6%)). Grade 2 disability was detected in 4 (7.3%). Multidrug therapy was started in all patients, multibacillary (MB) regimen in 42 (76.3%) patients and paucibacillary (PB) regimen in 13 (23.7%). Twenty five (45.4%) children defaulted from the treatment. On comparing the data of 2008-18 with that of the previous decade (1998-2007), there was a higher proportion of migrant cases as compared to local cases (3:1-11:1) and MB cases as compared to PB cases (2:1-6:1). The proportion of treatment defaulters declined from 60% to 36%. Limitations Relapse rate could not be calculated due to inadequate follow-up period. As it is a hospital-based retrospective study with no active surveys, these findings may not reflect trends in the community. Conclusion Childhood leprosy continues to be a significant problem. There is a clear need to strengthen early detection, treatment and regular follow-up of these cases in both high and low endemic settings.

Juvenile dermatomyositis in Thai children: Retrospective review of 30 cases from a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare condition, but it is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in pediatric patients. AIM: To study the clinical manifestations, investigations, treatment, clinical course, and outcomes of juvenile dermatomyositis in Thai children. METHOD: This retrospective study included juvenile dermatomyositis patients treated at Siriraj Hospital, a 2,300-bed national tertiary referral center in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1994 to 2019. RESULTS: Thirty patients (22 females and 8 males) were included with a female to male ratio of 2.7:1. Median age at diagnosis was 5.1 years (range, 2.6-14.8 years). Median duration of illness before diagnosis was 6.5 months (range, 0.3-84.0 months). Acute and subacute onset occurred in the majority of patients. Presenting symptoms included muscle weakness in 27/30 (90%), skin rash in 26/30 (86.7%), muscle pain in 17/26 (65.4%), and arthralgia in 4/18 (22.2%) of patients. Dermatologic examination revealed Gottron's rash, heliotrope rash, and periungual telangiectasia in 25/30 (83.3%), 21/30 (70.0%), and 15/24 (62.5%) of patients, respectively. Interestingly, scalp dermatitis was found in 8/21 (38.1%) of patients. The most commonly used treatment regimen in this series was a combination of prednisolone and methotrexate. During the median follow-up of 3.1 years (range, 0.0-18.5 years), only one-third of patients were seen to have monocyclic disease. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma at a previous lesion of calcinosis cutis was observed in one patient at 12 years after juvenile dermatomyositis onset. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective single-center study, and our results may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study. CONCLUSION: juvenile dermatomyositis usually poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, which can be compounded by the ethnic variations in the clinical presentation, as observed in this study. Asian patients tend to present with acute or subacute onset of disease, and arthralgia and/or arthritis are less common than in Caucasian patients. Scalp dermatitis is not uncommon in pediatric juvenile dermatomyositis patients. An association between juvenile dermatomyositis and malignancy, though rare, can occur.

Characteristics of children with leprosy: Factors associated with delay in disease diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to characterize the clinical profile of childhood leprosy presenting at tertiary leprosy care hospitals in the states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh in India, and to determine the possible risk factors associated with disabilities at presentation. METHODS: Subjects were children with newly diagnosed leprosy registered for treatment at tertiary Leprosy Mission Hospitals in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Purulia (West Bengal) and Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh), India, between June and December 2019. Demographic and leprosy characteristics were collected at the time of diagnosis. Parents/guardians were interviewed on reasons for delay in presenting at the hospital. Associations between various factors and delay in diagnosis were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 84 children, the mean (SD) age was 10 (3) years with a range of 4-14 years. There were more boys (58%) and most children were currently in school (93%), resident in rural areas (90%) and belonged to a lower socioeconomic status (68%). More children were diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy (69%), one-third of them being skin smear positive for Mycobacterium leprae. On presentation, 17% had deformity (5% grade 1 deformity and 12% grade 2), 29% had nerve involvement and skin lesions were spread across the body in half of the children. Mean (SD) duration of delay was 10.5 (9.8) months. Delayed presentation was more in boys (43% vs. 17%; P = 0.01), those without a history of migration for work compared to those who had a history of migration (40% vs. 9%; P = 0.008) and in those children who were from a poor economic status compared with those that came from a better economic status (44% vs. 7%; P = 0.001) Limitations: Because our study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals, the findings are not representative of the situation in the field. Furthermore, a comparison group of newly diagnosed adult leprosy patients with disability could have been included in the study. CONCLUSION: Childhood leprosy continues to occur in endemic pockets in India and a substantial number present with skin smear positivity and deformity. Guardians of these children cite many reasons for the delay in presentation.

Profile of dermatology inpatients and admissions over a four year period in a tertiary level government teaching hospital in North India.

BACKGROUND: Although dermatology is mostly an outpatient specialty, some patients with severe skin disease need hospital admission for management. There is a paucity of data regarding the profile of these dermatology in-patient admissions. AIMS: We studied the profile of patients admitted to the dermatology ward of our tertiary care government hospital in North India. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of discharge sheets of patients admitted in the dermatology ward from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. RESULTS: Discharge sheets of 2032 admissions for 1664 patients were analyzed. The most common diagnoses in the admitted patients were immunobullous disorders (576, 28%), connective tissue diseases (409, 20%), infections, including leprosy and sexually transmitted infections (179, 8.8%), psoriasis (153, 7.5%) and reactive arthritis (92, 4.5%). The mean duration of admission was 13.95±11.67 days (range 1-118 days). Two hundred and fifty-six patients (15.38%) were re-admitted, accounting for 368 (18.11%) re-admissions. Patients with immunobullous disorders (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.28) and psoriasis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.55) were more likely to be re-admitted. Adult patients, those who were admitted for more than four weeks, those who had comorbidities, and those who developed a complication during the hospital stay also had a greater likelihood of being re-admitted. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design of the study, and the non-availability of data regarding transfers to other specialties or intensive care units and deaths were the main limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: This study describes the profile of patients admitted in a dermatology ward of a tertiary care centre center in North India. The patient profile and admission characteristics associated with a higher probability of re-admission were identified.

Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine immunoprophylaxis in anti-phenolic glycolipid-1-positive leprosy contacts - A pilot study from a tertiary care center in North India.

BACKGROUND: Contacts of leprosy patients have an increased risk of infection with Mycobacterium leprae. Contact tracing and chemo- or immunoprophylaxis are important means of preventing leprosy transmission. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunoprophylaxis with Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine in reducing anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 titers in household contacts of leprosy patients. METHODS: This prospective single-center study was conducted in a tertiary care center in North India from January 2015 to December 2016. Contacts of leprosy patients (both paucibacillary and multibacillary) were screened for anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 antibodies with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Those found positive were given immunoprophylaxis with a single dose of Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine, and anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 titers were evaluated at six and 12 months. All contacts were clinically followed for three years. RESULTS: Of the 135 contacts of 98 leprosy patients that were screened, 128 were recruited. Seventeen of these contacts were positive for anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 antibodies and were given Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine. Two contacts were lost to follow-up. After immunoprophylaxis, anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 titers were negative in all patients at all intervals, and no contact developed any clinical signs or symptoms of leprosy during the three-year follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The small number of contacts studied, the short follow-up period and the absence of a control group were limitations of this study. Dicussion: We could not find any papers on natural decline of PGL 1 titres in contacts, although in leprosy patients, these titres may even increase after completion of treatment. However the titres do correlate with bacterial load (reference: Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis. 1998 Sep;66(3):356-64) so if the tires decrease or become negative it may be considered as an indirect evidence of bacillary clearance. Hence we may suggest the protective efficacy. Furthermore, as the editor mentioned, considering the small number of positive patients, a control group was not possible in the present pilot study, but such studies may be carried out in the future. CONCLUSION: Immunoprophylaxis with Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine is effective and safe in preventing disease in contacts of leprosy patients. However, these findings need to be replicated in larger studies.

Anti-P 200 pemphigoid - The most common floor binding subepidermal autoimmune bullous disease in a tertiary care center in south India.

BACKGROUND: The pemphigoid group of diseases may present clinically and immunologically in a very similar fashion. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with readily available salt-split human skin in a BIOCHIP™ helps to classify these conditions as those with either with roof binding or floor binding of immunoreactants. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, anti-laminin 332 pemphigoid and anti-p200 pemphigoid show floor binding, while in the most frequent type of pemphigoid disease, bullous pemphigoid, epidermal side staining pattern is seen on salt-split skin Aims: The aim of the study was to detect the target antigens in sub-epidermal bullous diseases. METHODS: Forty patients with bullous pemphigoid diagnosed by lesional histopathology and direct immunofluorescence microscopy were re-evaluated by a BIOCHIP™ mosaic containing both tissue substrates and recombinant target antigens. Sera with floor pattern staining on salt-split skin were further evaluated by immunoblotting with dermal extract. RESULTS: Five patients with floor staining had anti-p200 pemphigoid. LIMITATIONS: We could not perform serration pattern analysis of direct immunofluorescence in our patients. CONCLUSION: Histopathology and direct immunofluorescence microscopy cannot differentiate between various entities of pemphigoid diseases. A multivariant approach using a BIOCHIP™ mosaic including salt-split skin followed by immunoblotting with dermal extract helps to identify the target antigen.

Factors responsible for difficult to treat superficial fungal infections: A study from a tertiary healthcare centre in India.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent and clinically unresponsive dermatophytosis is being increasingly observed in India. However, there is little information regarding the extent of the problem and the factors responsible for these difficult to treat superficial fungal infections. AIM: To identify factors contributing to difficult to treat recurrent superficial fungal infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 105 patients of all age groups presenting with either recurrent or long-standing dermatophyte infection attending the outpatient department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy of Bharati Hospital, Pune, India, between September 2018 and March 2020. Patients were clinically examined, clinical history was taken and questions were asked regarding their current complaints and recorded in a proforma. Data were analysed using the SPSS software package. RESULTS: The males outnumbered females (74.3% vs 25.7%). A strong association was observed between the presence of past history and duration of disease (p = .007). The association of use of topical steroids or keratolytic agents with the duration of disease was statistically significant (p = .022). There was a statistically significant inverse association of duration of disease with dermatologist consultation (p < .001). The association between consultation with non-dermatologist and the duration of disease was statistically significant (p = .035). CONCLUSION: Hyperhidrosis, obesity, positive family history, tight clothing and chronic diseases may be considered important factors in acquiring dermatophytic infection. However, when it comes to difficult to treat tinea infections, irrational usage of topical steroids, treatment from non-dermatologists and a past history of tinea appear to be more critical causative factors. Treatment of dermatophytosis by dermatologists/ trained physicians and increasing general awareness of the public regarding the current situation about tinea in the country would help to alleviate the current crisis.

Psychosocial burden of lichen planus pigmentosus is similar to vitiligo, but greater than melasma: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary-care center in north India.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus pigmentosus can have a negative impact on the quality of life; however, this has not been studied in detail. OBJECTIVES: To study the quality of life in patients with lichen planus pigmentosus and compare it with patients with vitiligo and melasma. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary-care center in north India from January 2018 to May 2019. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with lichen planus pigmentosus (n = 125), vitiligo (n = 113) and melasma (n = 121) completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire and answered a global question on the effect of disease on their lives. In addition, patients with vitiligo completed the Vitiligo Impact Scale (VIS)-22 questionnaire, while those with lichen planus pigmentosus and melasma filled a modified version of VIS-22. RESULTS: The mean DLQI scores in patients with lichen planus pigmentosus, vitiligo and melasma were 10.9 ± 5.95, 9.73 ± 6.51 and 8.39 ± 5.92, respectively, the difference being statistically significant only between lichen planus pigmentosus and melasma (P < 0.001). The corresponding mean modified VIS-22/VIS-22 scores were 26.82 ± 11.89, 25.82 ± 14.03 and 18.87 ± 11.84, respectively. This difference was statistically significant between lichen planus pigmentosus and melasma, and between vitiligo and melasma (P < 0.001 for both). As compared to vitiligo, patients with lichen planus pigmentosus had a significantly greater impact on "symptoms and feelings" domain (P < 0.001) on DLQI, and on "social interactions" (P = 0.02) and "depression" (P = 0.04) domains on VIS-22. As compared to melasma, patients with lichen planus pigmentosus had significantly higher scores for "symptoms and feelings," "daily activities," "leisure" and "work and school" domains of DLQI, and all domains of VIS-22. Female gender was more associated with impairment in quality of life in patients with lichen planus pigmentosus, while lower education, marriage, younger age and increasing disease duration showed a directional trend. LIMITATIONS: Use of DLQI and modified version of VIS-22 scales in the absence of a pigmentary disease-specific quality-of-life instrument. CONCLUSION: Patients with lichen planus pigmentosus have a significantly impaired quality of life. The psychosocial burden of lichen planus pigmentosus is quantitatively similar to that of vitiligo, but significantly greater than melasma.

Relapse in leprosy and drug resistance assessment in a tertiary hospital of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy recurrence is the reappearance of the disease after treatment with current schemes and discharged for cure and may have variable incubation periods. METHODS: This is a descriptive observational study of leprosy recurrence in Espírito Santo diagnosed between January 2018 and January 2020. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two cases were available, of which 30 were diagnosed with leprosy recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In 25 cases, the incubation period was 5-15 years after the first treatment, favoring bacillary persistence. In the remaining 5 cases, the disease had recurred after 15 years, pointing to reinfection as none of them exhibited drug resistance.

Drug-drug Interactions between Hypoglycemic and Non-hypoglycemic Medication in Diabetic Patients with Comorbidities in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-drug interaction is one of the causes of adverse drug reactions. Generally, drug-drug interaction is common in multidrug therapy. Diabetic patients, particularly due to associated comorbidities tend to have various drug-drug interactions due to the effect of multiple drugs. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of drug-drug interactions in diabetic patients. METHODS: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among previously diagnosed diabetic patients visiting the outpatient department of medicine at a tertiary care hospital between March 2021 and August 2021. Ethical approval was taken from the institutional review committee (Ref no: 030-076/077). Data was collected from diabetic patients presenting to the outpatient department of medicine using a preformed self-constructed questionnaire. Convenient sampling was done. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug-drug interaction between hypoglycemic and non-hypoglycemic medication was 56 (44.1%) (35.5-52.7 at 95% Confidence Interval) of the patients out of which at least one drug-drug interaction was seen in 48 (37.8%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the prevalence of drug-drug interactions in diabetic patients to be higher than other studies done in similar settings. Based on the severity, we observed two types of drug-drug interactions; close monitoring drug-drug interactions and minor drug-drug interactions.

Nocardia Infections: Ten Years Experience from a Tertiary Health Care Center in North India (2007-2016).

BACKGROUND: Nocardia species are important cause of infections in humans but are underreported due to missed diagnosis as well as misdiagnosis. Majority of the literature on these infections consists of case reports or series with few articles describing high number of cases. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of Nocardia infections in a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India over a period of 10 years (2007-2016). The detection of Nocardia spp. from clinical specimens was done by conventional methods viz. direct microscopy (Gram's stain, modified Ziehl -Neelsen stain [1%], KOH examination) and culture. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases of nocardiosis were diagnosed during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 50.9 years (range 30-72 years) with a male:female ratio of 3:2. The site of disease in these patients included pulmonary (n=18), cutaneous (n=4), perinephric abscess (n=1), ocular (n=1) and bone (n=1). Risk factors associated were underlying lung disease (n=11), smoking (n=7), diabetes (n=5) and steroid therapy (n=4) in pulmonary nocardiosis, iatrogenic (n=1) and leprosy (n=1) in cutaneous nocardiosis, diabetes in perinephric abscess and cataract surgery in ocular nocardiosis. Culture was positive in 12/25 (48%) patients for Nocardia spp. Direct microscopy was positive in 22 patients. We wish to highlight that meticulous observation of KOH wet mount examination helped in clinching the diagnosis of Nocardiosis in 3 cases which were earlier missed by other methods. CONCLUSION: Good communication with the clinician alongside a meticulous effort in the laboratory is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management of these cases.