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1.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 38(2): 375-383, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37857489

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults. However, limited research has been conducted on gender differences in AD. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess gender differences in adult AD patients, focusing on demographic and clinical features, comorbidities and treatment approaches. METHODS: In this multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 686 adult patients with AD (357 males and 329 females). For each patient, we collected demographic data (age and sex), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, hip circumference, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio), clinical information (onset age, disease duration, severity, itching intensity, impact on quality of life) and noted comorbidities (metabolic, atopic and other). We recorded past and current topical and systemic treatments. We analysed all collected data using statistical techniques appropriate for both quantitative and qualitative variables. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was employed to evaluate the relationships among all clinical characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: We found no differences in age at onset, disease duration, severity and quality of life impact between males and females. Males exhibited higher rates of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypertension. No significant gender differences were observed in atopic or other comorbidities. Treatment approaches were overlapping, except for greater methotrexate use in males. MCA revealed distinct patterns based on gender, disease severity, age of onset, treatment and quality of life. Adult males with AD had severe disease, extensive treatments and poorer quality of life, while adult females had milder disease, fewer treatments and moderate quality of life impact. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that gender differences in adult AD patients are largely due to inherent population variations rather than disease-related disparities. However, it highlights potential undertreatment of females with moderate AD and quality of life impact, emphasizing the need for equitable AD treatment. JAK inhibitors may offer a solution for gender-based therapeutic parity.


Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Atopic , Male , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Cross-Sectional Studies , Sex Factors , Pruritus/therapy , Severity of Illness Index
2.
Nature ; 531(7594): 371-5, 2016 Mar 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26958833

ABSTRACT

Inhibitory neurons regulate the adaptation of neural circuits to sensory experience, but the molecular mechanisms by which experience controls the connectivity between different types of inhibitory neuron to regulate cortical plasticity are largely unknown. Here we show that exposure of dark-housed mice to light induces a gene program in cortical vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons that is markedly distinct from that induced in excitatory neurons and other subtypes of inhibitory neuron. We identify Igf1 as one of several activity-regulated genes that are specific to VIP neurons, and demonstrate that IGF1 functions cell-autonomously in VIP neurons to increase inhibitory synaptic input onto these neurons. Our findings further suggest that in cortical VIP neurons, experience-dependent gene transcription regulates visual acuity by activating the expression of IGF1, thus promoting the inhibition of disinhibitory neurons and affecting inhibition onto cortical pyramidal neurons.


Subject(s)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism , Neural Inhibition , Neurons/metabolism , Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism , Visual Cortex/cytology , Visual Cortex/physiology , Animals , Female , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Neural Pathways , Neuronal Plasticity , Neurons/cytology , Pyramidal Cells/metabolism , Synapses/metabolism , Vision, Ocular/physiology
3.
Clin Exp Dermatol ; 47(1): 3-8, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34137059

ABSTRACT

Scalp dysaesthesia, considered a variant of the cutaneous dysaesthesia syndrome, is characterized by chronic sensory symptoms, including pruritus, pain, burning and stinging in a well-defined location, without objective findings. Its aetiology is not well elucidated and treatment options are limited, thus it can be challenging and frustrating for both patient and physician. It can be associated with lichen simplex chronicus. In this paper, we review the literature on the pathogenetic factors, diagnostic methods and therapeutic options in the management of scalp dysaesthesia. Dissociation, cervical spine disease and muscle tension seem to be the most important pathogenetic factors. Trichoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and biopsy are all helpful for the diagnosis of the disease. Therapies include high-potency topical or intralesional corticosteroids, capsaicin and topical anaesthetics, sedative antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, botulinum toxin and vitamin B12.


Subject(s)
Neurodermatitis/diagnosis , Neurodermatitis/therapy , Paresthesia/diagnosis , Paresthesia/therapy , Scalp , Humans
4.
Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging ; 48(5): 1511-1521, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33140131

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: High dose brachytherapy using a non sealed 188Re-resin (Rhenium-SCT®, Oncobeta® GmbH, Munich, Germany) is a treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of a single application of Rhenium-SCT® in NMSC. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty consecutive patients (15F, 35 M, range of age 56-97, mean 81) showing 60 histologically proven NMSCs were enrolled and treated with the Rhenium-SCT® between October 2017 and January 2020. Lesions were located on the face, ears, nose or scalp (n = 46), extremities (n = 9), and trunk (n = 5). Mean surface areas were 7.0 cm2 (1-36 cm2), mean thickness invasion was 1.1 mm (0.2-2.5 mm), and mean treatment time was 79 min (21-85 min). Superficial, mean, and target absorbed dose were 185 Gy, 63 Gy, and 31 Gy respectively. Patients were followed-up at 14, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days posttreatment, when dermoscopy and biopsy were performed. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 3-33 months). Early skin toxicity was classified according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Cosmetic results were evaluated after at least 12 months according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. RESULTS: At 6 months follow-up, histology and dermoscopy were available for 54/60 lesions, of which 53/54 (98%) completely responded. One patient showed a 1-cm2 residual lesion that was subsequently surgically excised. Twelve months after treatment, 41/41 evaluable lesions were free from relapse. Twenty four months after treatment, 23/24 evaluable lesions were free of relapse. In 56/60 lesions early side effects, resolving within 32 days were classified as grades 1-2 (CTCAE). In the remaining 4/60 lesions, these findings were classified as grade 3 (CTCAE) and lasted up to 8-12 weeks but all resolved within 90 days. After at least 12 months (12-33 months), cosmetic results were excellent (30 lesions) or good (11 lesions). CONCLUSION: High dose brachytherapy with Rhenium-SCT® is a noninvasive, reasonably safe, easy to perform, effective and well-tolerated approach to treat NMSCs, and it seems to be a useful alternative option when surgery or radiation therapy are difficult to perform or not recommended. In our population 98% of the treated lesions resolved completely after a single application and only one relapsed after 2 years. Larger patients' population and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary data and to find the optimal dose to administer in order to achieve complete response without significant side effects.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , Rhenium , Skin Neoplasms , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brachytherapy/adverse effects , Germany , Humans , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Prospective Studies , Rhenium/therapeutic use , Skin Neoplasms/radiotherapy
5.
Br J Dermatol ; 184(1): 133-140, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32119111

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α adalimumab is the only licenced biologic for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). No predictors of response have been identified so far. OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical parameters predicting response to adalimumab and confirm its efficacy/safety. METHODS: The data of 389 patients with HS treated with adalimumab in 21 Italian centres were reviewed. Sex, age at onset/diagnosis/baseline, body mass index, smoking, phenotype, previous treatments, concomitant antibiotics and 'therapeutic delay', defined as the time from HS onset to adalimumab initiation, were assessed. Response to adalimumab and its impact on quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS pain), respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The therapeutic delay correlated to lack of response to adalimumab at week 16 [odds ratio (OR) 1·92 for therapeutic delay > 10 years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·28-2·89; P = 0·0016). HiSCR was achieved in 43·7% and 53·9% patients at week 16 and 52, respectively. Significant reductions in both DLQI and VAS pain were found between week 16 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both) and week 52 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both). Previous immunosuppressants inversely correlated to HiSCR at week 52 (OR = 1·74, 95% CI 1·04-2·91, P = 0·0342). CONCLUSIONS: Inverse correlation between therapeutic delay and clinical response was found, supporting early adalimumab use and providing evidence for a 'window of opportunity' in HS treatment. Adalimumab efficacy and safety were confirmed, along with patients' QoL improvement. Immunosuppressants could negatively influence the response to adalimumab inducing a switch to non-TNF-α-driven pathways.


Subject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Adalimumab/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/drug therapy , Humans , Quality of Life , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
6.
Clin Exp Dermatol ; 46(6): 1075-1078, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33577095

ABSTRACT

During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, an unusual outbreak of yellow-brown pigmentation on the skin of children was reported. Because of the restrictions on movement promulgated during the lockdown, most consultancies were performed using teledermatology. Data concerning personal care products and application of topical substances were collected, which revealed use of the same brand of wipes for all patients. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed to compare the components of the wipes before and after the observation of the pigmentation, in order to detect the responsible substance. This analysis revealed a level about 10-fold higher than normal of ascorbic acid and its oxidation products (dehydroascorbic acid and L-threonic acid) in the wipes associated with the pigmentation. These 'colouring wipes' represent a peculiar but harmless phenomenon that highlights the importance of careful questioning about personal care products used by patients.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid/adverse effects , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Quarantine , Skin Pigmentation/drug effects , Skin/pathology , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Mass Spectrometry , Vitamins/adverse effects
7.
Clin Exp Dermatol ; 46(5): 896-900, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33638914

ABSTRACT

Chloracne, also known as metabolizing acquired dioxin-induced skin hamartomas (MADISH), is a rare disfiguring disease related to dioxin exposure. There is a paucity of literature on the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of chloracne/MADISH. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features of this very unusual acneiform eruption and to explore the pathogenesis of the disease. This was a retrospective, observational report study was conducted on five patients belonging to the same nuclear family (father, mother and three children) and a relative (father's brother) living in the same house. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, laboratory and toxicological analyses were performed for all patients. The results suggest that CYP1A1 in human skin is a diagnostic biomarker in chloracne, and was positive for all the patients in our sample. Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin is the most investigated dioxin responsible for chloracne; however, several other agonists, whether dioxin-like or not, can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To our knowledge, this Italian case series is the first study to suggest polychlorinated biphenyls as a possible cause of an overstimulation of aryl hydrocarbons causing the consequent acneiform eruption.


Subject(s)
Acneiform Eruptions/pathology , Chloracne/metabolism , Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/metabolism , Dioxins/toxicity , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/toxicity , Acneiform Eruptions/etiology , Acneiform Eruptions/metabolism , Adult , Biomarkers/metabolism , Child , Chloracne/diagnosis , Chloracne/etiology , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry/methods , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Pakistan/ethnology , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/adverse effects , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/chemistry , Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/chemistry , Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism , Retrospective Studies
8.
Clin Exp Dermatol ; 45(2): 187-193, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31389062

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vulvar melanoma (VM) is rare and is often diagnosed late. Dermoscopy may aid in its recognition, differentiating VM from other more common vulvar lesions, such as melanosis and naevi. However, little is known about the dermoscopic features of thin VM. AIM: To retrospectively analyse a series of histopathologically diagnosed thin VMs and to highlight their most suggestive dermoscopic features. METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective study was conducted, including histopathologically proven thin VMs, either intraepidermal or with Breslow thickness ≤ 0.5 mm, diagnosed during the period 2016-2018. We particularly focused on their dermoscopic characteristics to highlight the most suggestive dermoscopic diagnostic clues. RESULTS: In total, 14 cases of early-stage VM were included, in women with a mean age at diagnosis of 64.86 years. The most frequently affected sites were the labia minora. Of these, 11 cases were unifocal. Dermoscopy most often revealed structureless areas, grey globules and areas, irregular black-brown dots, blue and white structures, and red areas. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, early-stage VM often exhibits dermoscopic features that are more typical of thicker cutaneous melanomas. Dermoscopy may provide useful clues for the prompt diagnosis of thin VM.


Subject(s)
Dermoscopy , Melanoma/pathology , Vulva/pathology , Vulvar Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Dermoscopy/methods , Female , Genitalia, Female/pathology , Humans , Melanoma/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Vulvar Neoplasms/diagnosis
9.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 34(10): 2208-2215, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32119157

ABSTRACT

Around 2% of cutaneous neoplasms arise in the scalp (scalp tumours: STs). They can be classified as primary STs (epithelial, melanocytic and adnexal) or metastatic (from distal tumours or as a spreading from contiguous structures). This anatomic location is usually poorly examined during dermatological consultations, also due to the presence of the hair cover. Moreover, self-examination of the hair-covered skin is often harder for the patient. The peculiar features of the scalp may explain the worse prognosis of STs compared with neoplasms of other locations. The hair coverage protects the scalp from UV radiations, but due to the complex pathogenesis of STs, they may also develop in younger patients. Until now, STs have been not extensively investigated in the dermatological literature, and most publications are written by otolaryngologists, or by head, neck and plastic surgeons. Thus, dermatologists above all have the opportunity and the task to explore the scalp carefully, with the opportunity to make an early diagnosis, possibly changing the patient's prognosis. The aim of this paper was to review the main STs in order to increase awareness among dermatology specialists.


Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Skin Neoplasms , Face , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Humans , Prognosis , Scalp , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis
10.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 34(11): 2630-2635, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32533899

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Over the last months, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of chilblain-like lesions were reported mainly in children and rarely in young adults. The relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection was postulated, often without any laboratory, instrumental or clinical confirmation. The disclosure of information about chilblain-like lesions as a COVID-19 manifestation in social media has created concern in children's families and paediatricians. OBJECTIVES: To verify whether the chilblain-like lesions were caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Prospective study on a case series including children who presented with acral lesions at the Pediatric Dermatology Outpatient and Pediatric Emergency Unit of the University of Bologna, from 1 April to 30 April 2020. We reported demographical, laboratory and clinical features, history of close contact with COVID-19 patients, presence of similar skin lesions in other family members, precipitating and risk factors for chilblain onset. RESULTS: We evaluated eight patients (five females, three males) aged between 11 and 15 years. We excluded acute or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection with RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab, serum antibody levels using chemiluminescent immunoassays. Other acute infections causing purpuric lesions at the extremities were negative in all patients. Skin lesion biopsy for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was made in two cases and was consistent with chilblain. PCR assay on skin lesion biopsy for parvovirus B19, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 was performed in a patient and resulted negative. We identified common precipitating and risk factors: physical (cold and wet extremities, low BMI), cold and wet indoor and outdoor environment, behaviours, habits and lifestyle. We therefore reached a diagnosis of primary chilblains. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 'cluster' of primary chilblains developed in predisposed subjects, mainly teenagers, due to cold exposure in the lockdown period. Laboratory findings support our hypothesis, although it is also possible that an unknown infectious trigger may have contributed to the pathogenesis.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Chilblains/etiology , Adolescent , Biopsy , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19 Testing , Chilblains/epidemiology , Child , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Life Style , Male , Pandemics , Prospective Studies , Quarantine , SARS-CoV-2
11.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 33 Suppl 6: 28-31, 2019 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31535767

ABSTRACT

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory disease associated with a high physical and psychological burden. It is a disorder of the infundibular segment of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by subcutaneous nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts and scar formation on the intertriginous and apocrine-bearing areas. HS is quite rare in young and prepubertal children. It usually begins after puberty, but several reports of prepubertal HS onset have been described. These cases are strongly linked to hormonal disorders and genetic susceptibility. Specific guidelines for prepubertal patients are still lacking, so further studies are warranted to better delineate a tailored approach. This paper aims to summarize the most significant aspects, as well as the most recent information about the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, comorbidities and treatment of paediatric HS. In addition, we report our clinical experience in managing HS in a group of eight prepubertal patients based on systemic antibiotics (azithromycin) and zinc oral supplementation.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/drug therapy , Azithromycin/therapeutic use , Child , Clindamycin/therapeutic use , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/complications , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/epidemiology , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/genetics , Humans , Hyperandrogenism/complications , Hyperinsulinism/complications , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Puberty, Precocious/complications
12.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 33(4): 766-773, 2019 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30633405

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful inflamed nodules, recurrent abscesses and fistulas located in apocrine gland-bearing body sites. The negative impact of HS on patient's quality of life (QoL) has been reported to be greater than other dermatologic conditions as psoriasis and atopic eczema, and its improvement is an important goal in disease management. Nowadays, there are no specific validated QoL instruments available for HS and generic dermatologic questionnaires are used. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the validity, reliability and responsiveness of HIDRAdisk, a new innovative tool designed for rapid assessment of HS burden and, at the same time, an intuitive graphic visualization of the measurement outcome. METHODS: A multicentre, longitudinal, observational study was conducted to validate the HIDRAdisk compared with other validated questionnaires [Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health (WPAI:GH)] and to evaluate its correlation with disease severity in Italian patients with any degree of HS severity, as measured by Hurley stage and HS Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA). RESULTS: A total of 140 patients (59% women; mean age 34.9 ± 11.0 years) were enrolled in 27 dermatologic centres. HIDRAdisk showed a strong correlation with Skindex-16 and DLQI, and a good one with WPAI:GH (correlation coefficient: 0.7568, 0.6651 and 0.5947, respectively) and a statistically significant correlation with both Hurley stage and HS-PGA. Very good internal consistency (Cronbach coefficient >0.80; intraclass correlation coefficient >0.6), with correlation between the 10 items, good test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.8331; P < 0.0001) and responsiveness to changes were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that HIDRAdisk, a short and innovative visual HS QoL instrument, has been psychometrically validated in Italian language and it may help improve the management of HS once implemented in routine clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adult , Female , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/complications , Humans , Italy , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Visual Analog Scale , Young Adult
13.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(6): 935-939, 2018 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29356106

ABSTRACT

The tongue is covered by fungiform, filiform and circumvallate papillae. Fungiform papillae may be mainly pigmented in dark-skinned individuals. A single-centre study aimed to examine the clinical and dermoscopic features of pigmented fungiform papulae of the tongue (PFPT) in children, and a concise review of the literature has been performed. The clinical and anamnestic data of eight children affected by PFPT visited at the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of Bologna between 2010 and 2017, and a systemic review of all studies of PFPT published on PubMed up to 31 August 2017 has been collected and analysed. The results of our data were consistent with the literature review: dark brown to black coloured pinhead papules or bumps were observed in all cases of PFPT, and three types of clinical patterns have been detected. Moreover, the dermoscopic examination showed a cobblestone-like distribution and rose petal pattern. PFPT could be associated with hyperpigmentation of other sites such as the proximal nail folds and gums, and an intrafamiliar transmission is also possible. Clinical and dermoscopic features of PFPT may help clinicians to recognize this ethnic, acquired and benign condition.


Subject(s)
Dermoscopy/methods , Taste Buds/pathology , Tongue/pathology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male
14.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(1): 164-173, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28850750

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is an uncommon tumour, and there are few studies focused on its dermoscopic features. OBJECTIVE: The aims of our study were to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy in NAM. A diagnostic algorithm for adult patients with suspected NAM is proposed. METHODS: We collected NAM dermoscopic images of patients with a proven histopathology from 2008 until 2015. Clinical and dermoscopic images were blindly examined by two dermatologists, and correlations between histopathological aspects and dermoscopic features were investigated. RESULTS: We retrospectively collected NAM dermoscopic images associated with a proven histopathology of 23 Caucasian patients. Only cases with available both preoperative dermoscopic images and bioptic specimens were included. Seventeen women and six men were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 63 years (range 18-92). CONCLUSION: We created an algorithm to indicate the correct way to follow an adult patient with suspected NAM. This algorithm may ameliorate management in case of suspected NAM and possibly facilitate an early diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Dermoscopy , Melanoma/diagnostic imaging , Nail Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Fingers , Humans , Male , Melanoma/pathology , Middle Aged , Nail Diseases/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Single-Blind Method , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Ulcer/etiology , Toes
15.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 32(2): 209-214, 2018 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28862771

ABSTRACT

Oral pigmentations (OPs) are often neglected, although a meticulous examination of the oral cavity is important not only in the diagnosis of oral melanoma, but also for the detection of important clinical findings that may indicate the presence of a systemic disease. OPs may be classified into two major groups on the basis of their clinical appearance: focal and diffuse pigmentations, even though this distinction may not appear so limpid in some cases. The former include amalgam tattoo, melanocytic nevi, melanoacanthoma and melanosis, while the latter include physiological/racial pigmentations, smoker's melanosis, drug-induced hyperpigmentations, postinflammatory hyperpigmentations and OPs associated with systemic diseases. We will discuss the most frequent OPs and the differential diagnosis with oral mucosal melanoma (OMM), underlining the most frequent lesions that need to undergo a bioptic examination and lesions that could be proposed for a sequential follow-up.


Subject(s)
Hyperpigmentation/diagnosis , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Nevus, Pigmented/diagnosis , Acanthoma/diagnosis , Acanthoma/pathology , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Hyperpigmentation/pathology , Melanosis/diagnosis , Melanosis/pathology , Mouth Mucosa/pathology , Nevus, Pigmented/pathology
16.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 31(5): 843-846, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27658350

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis (Pso) has a strong impact on quality of life and a positive association has been reported between nail psoriasis (NP) and more severe disease, together with a longer duration of skin lesions. The treatment of NP represents a challenge and biological therapy can be recommended for severe disease. OBJECTIVE: The first end point of this retrospective study was to evaluate the time to achieve Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 in patients with and without NP treated with biological therapy. The second end point was to evaluate the efficacy of biological therapy to improve NP. METHODS: A total of 127 patients (88 men and 39 women) with moderate to severe Pso referring to our Service between 2007 and 2014 were included. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and a 24 week treatment. The outcome variable was achievement of PASI 75 at 24 weeks with and without NP. All patients were treated with topical therapy and one of four different biological treatments: adalimumab (44.09%), etanercept (18.11%), infliximab (13.39%) and ustekinumab (24.41%). Physical examinations were performed every 4 weeks, and at each visit, the clinician assessed the PASI and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). RESULTS: At multivariate Cox regression analysis, a smaller proportion of patients with NP achieved PASI 75 at 24 weeks than patients without NP when adjusted for the epidemiological, clinical features and biological treatment received. With all biological drugs, the NAPSI score began to improve already after 8 weeks (from 18.53 at week 0-2.83 at week 24). CONCLUSION: Patients with NP reach PASI 75 more slowly than patients without NP. Clinicians should therefore consider that treatment with a biological agent may require a longer period before reaching a satisfying therapeutical goal. Nevertheless, adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and etanercept demonstrated their equal effectiveness in reducing the NAPSI score.


Subject(s)
Psoriasis/therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies
17.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 31(9): 1534-1540, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28485825

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human leishmaniasis is on increase in the Mediterranean Europe. However, the exact prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is largely unknown as underdiagnosis and under reporting are common. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate epidemiological, clinicopathological and microbiological aspects of CL cases occurring in the Bologna Province, north-eastern Italy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational study on CL cases diagnosed in the Bologna Province between January 2013 and December 2015. RESULTS: During 2013-2015, 30 cases of CL were identified in the Bologna Province with an average incidence of 1.00/100 000, with an increase of fourfold to 12-fold as compared to previous years. 16 of 30 (53%) CL cases presented as single, typical lesions. CL diagnosis was carried out by histological and molecular techniques, although in 7 of 29 (24%) PCR-positive cases, amastigotes were not visible on histology. CONCLUSIONS: We report new evidence of CL cases in a focal area of north-eastern Italy in 2013-2015. Our study highlights the importance of CL surveillance in the Mediterranean basin and emphasizes the need for the molecular laboratory surveillance of CL in endemic areas.


Subject(s)
Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
20.
Br J Dermatol ; 174(3): 594-601, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26473312

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol is widely prescribed as first-line treatment for infantile haemangiomas (IHs). Anecdotally, prescribing practice differs widely between centres. OBJECTIVES: The Propranolol In the Treatment of Complicated Haemangiomas (PITCH) Taskforce was founded to establish patterns of use of propranolol in IHs. METHODS: Participating centres entered data on all of their patients who had completed treatment with oral propranolol for IHs, using an online data capture tool. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 1097 children from 39 centres in eight European countries. 76·1% were female and 92·8% had a focal IH, with the remainder showing a segmental, multifocal or indeterminate pattern. The main indications for treatment were periocular location (29·3%), risk of cosmetic disfigurement (21·1%) and ulceration and bleeding (20·6%). In total 69·2% of patients were titrated up to a maintenance regimen, which consisted of 2 mg kg(-1) per day (85·8%) in the majority of cases. 91·4% of patients had an excellent or good response to treatment. Rebound growth occurred in 14·1% upon stopping, of whom 53·9% were restarted and treatment response was recaptured in 91·6% of cases. While there was no significant difference in the treatment response, comparing a daily maintenance dose of < 2 mg kg(-1) vs. 2 mg kg(-1) vs. > 2 mg kg(-1) , the risk of adverse events was significantly higher: odds ratio (OR) 1 vs. adjusted OR 0·70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·33-1·50, P = 0·36 vs. OR 2·38, 95% CI 1·04-5·46, P = 0·04, Ptrend < 0·001. CONCLUSIONS: The PITCH survey summarizes the use of oral propranolol across 39 European centres, in a variety of IH phases, and could be used to inform treatment guidelines and the design of an interventional study.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Hemangioma/drug therapy , Propranolol/administration & dosage , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Administration, Oral , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Propranolol/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome
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