COVID-19 and psoriasis: biologic treatment and challenges.

BACKGROUND: There is concern about susceptibility of psoriatic patients on biologics to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its clinical course. PURPOSE: The aims of present review were to determine whether the biologic treatment of psoriasis increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and if biologics affect the clinical course of COVID-19 in these patients. METHODS: We searched database of MEDLINE (PubMed) for key term of psoriasis biologic and COVID-19 until June 9, 2020 and all published 14 papers and an experience from Iran (10509 cases) related to the psoriatic patients on biologics and COVID-19 along with relevant papers were summarized. In spite of limitation in some reports, due to some of strengths that will be discussed, all papers were included in this review. RESULTS: According to 8769 medical reports around 0.3% of psoriatic patients had COVID-19 and the rate of hospitalization was 0.1%. No death due to COVID-19 was reported among 10509 patients. Reports indicated psoriatic patients on biologics were not more susceptible to COVID-19 and the severe clinical course of disease. CONCLUSION: While there is not definitive controlled trial data, the available evidence suggests that patients with psoriasis without COVID-19 can continue the biologic therapy for psoriasis.

Septic arthritis of both knees following intra-articular injection of petrol.

A 70 years old man was referred to our center with bilateral knee arthritis following intra-articular petrol injection. Because of previous antibiotics use gram stain and culture were negative. Septic arthritis was diagnosed and antibiotics and drainage were started. After 2 years he improved eventually and was able to walk. But, some movement limitation remained.

Effect of selenium on immune response against hepatitis B vaccine with accelerated method in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor response to various vaccines especially hepatitis B is common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selenium on immune response against hepatitis B vaccine with accelerated method in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 62 insulin dependent diabetic patients were divided into case and control groups (each of 31 cases). In the control group, hepatitis B vaccine 20 µg was done by intra-deltoid injection on a 0, 10, 21 day schedule with placebo, and in case group, 200 µg of selenium as a supplement was added once daily to same vaccine schedule from the first day to the 30(th) day of the month. After one month, serum sample was obtained and evaluated for anti-HBs using ELISA method. Data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In the case group, 23 cases (74.2%) and in control group, 15 cases (48.4%) achieved protective level of anti-HBs irrespective to sex and age (p=0.037). The mean antibody levels were 233.75±163.45U/L and 144±69.29U/L in selenium and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that selenium could help to increase protective rate and level of anti-HBs by accelerated vaccination method. Adding selenium by routine HBV vaccination in diabetic patients is recommended for increasing the rate and level of anti-HBs in such group.

Comparative study of levamisole-selenium supplementation effect on CD4 increase in HlV / AIDS patients.

BACKGROUND: Given to the abundant incidence of malnutrition in HIV(+) patients and its effect on progress of AIDS disease, several studies have recommended supplementation therapy (such as Selenium, Levamisole, Zinc). METHODS: This clinical trial was prefunded on patient's with HIV + in Behavior Diseases Consulting Center, Kermanshah, Iran 2006-2007. One hundred-seventy eight out of all patients with CD4 1ess than 350 cell/mm(3) who did not receive antiretroviral drugs were in this study. They were divided into four groups: the first group received 200 micg selenium per day, the second group received levamisole 50 mg every other day, and third group received both two drugs. The fourth group was the control group. All four groups were studied for six months. Patients' baseline CD4 and other data were recorded in a form. CD4 was rechecked after six months and collected values were compared with basic values. CD4 changes were compared among all groups, either. RESULTS: One hundred-seventy eight patients initiated treatment and 108 cooperated in the 6-month follow up assessment. Niuety-two (85%) were males and 15% were female. CD4 decreased in control group and Levamisole group during the study which was significant, but 13 units increase was seen in Selenium-Levamisole group. CD4 count decreased 36 units in Selenium group. Comparing CD4 count change among 4 study groups showed that only CD4 change between Selenium-Levamisole group and control group was significant. CONCLUSION: Regarding to collected results, Selenium-Levamisole supplementation can be used as a supplementation therapy besides antiretroviral therapies.