Whole-body and targeted narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy effectively stabilize acral vitiligo with negligible repigmentation beyond wrists and ankles: Results from a split-body randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy promotes stability and repigmentation in vitiligo. No studies have compared targeted NB-UVB with whole-body NB-UVB in treatment of acral vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: This randomized split-body study compared whole-body NB-UVB with targeted NB-UVB in inducing stability and repigmentation in acral vitiligo. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with bilaterally symmetrical acral vitiligo lesions (distal to elbows and knees) were recruited. Patients received whole-body NB-UVB treatment, with one hand and one foot shielded until elbow and knee, followed by targeted NB-UVB treatment on the shielded side. Patients were assessed at 4-week intervals for 24 weeks using Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score, Vitiligo Skin Activity Score (VSAS), Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (determined through fingertip method, using the method to calculate facial-VASI) and degree of repigmentation. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, 87.5% of patients achieved a VIDA score of 3, with none having active disease at 24 weeks. Over 50% repigmentation was observed in 42.2% and 37.5% of limbs in whole-body and targeted groups, respectively (p = .95). No improvement in F-VASI scores of hands and feet (distal to wrist and ankles) was noted with either modality over the 24-week period. CONCLUSION: Our study showed comparable repigmentation rates between whole-body and targeted NB-UVB groups. Limited effectiveness of phototherapy in repigmentation of hands and feet underscores an important therapeutic gap.

Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children with atopic dermatitis: A case-control study from northern India.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects children worldwide, with potential associations to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Limited research exists on the interplay between AD, MetS, and NAFLD in the pediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and potential relationships among AD, MetS, and NAFLD in children. METHODS: A case-control study design was employed, recruiting 50 children with AD (median age: 9.5 years) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (median age: 11.5 years, p = .051). Data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, disease severity, treatment history, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory evaluations were collected. MetS and NAFLD were diagnosed based on established criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in children with AD compared with controls (24% vs. 2%, p = .002). Significant differences for systolic blood pressure (p < .001), diastolic blood pressure (p = .012), and waist circumference (p = .040) were observed between AD patients and controls. Children with AD had higher triglyceride levels (p = .005). NAFLD was exclusively seen in moderate to severe AD cases (6% vs. 0%, p = .242). AD severity showed associations with increased body mass index (p = .020). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the increased prevalence of MetS and the potential association with NAFLD in children with AD. The findings suggest that AD may contribute to the development of metabolic abnormalities at an early age. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore preventive strategies for these interconnected conditions.

Emerging role of topical Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatological disorders: a review.

Janus kinase (JAK) refers to a family of tyrosine kinases that are involved in the production of proinflammatory mediators in response to various extracellular signals. The JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is an appealing target in many inflammatory illnesses as this pathway modulates immune cell activation and T-cell-mediated inflammation in response to several cytokines. The practical considerations of prescription for topical and oral JAK inhibitors (JAKis) in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis have been covered in prior publications. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the topical JAKi ruxolitinib for atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo. None of the remaining first- or second-generation topical JAKis have been approved for topical application in any dermatological indications so far. For this review, the PubMed database was searched using 'topical' and 'JAK inhibitor' or 'Janus kinase inhibitor' or the names of individual drug molecules as the keyword in the title with no date limits. The description of topical JAKi usage in dermatology from the literature was evaluated in each abstract. The current review concentrates on emphasizing the rising use of topical JAKis in both approved and off-label dermatological applications for both old and novel conditions.

Correlation of plasma levels of itraconazole with treatment response at 4 weeks in chronic dermatophytosis: Results of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Itraconazole in varying doses and duration is being frequently used for the management of dermatophytosis. There is a scarcity of studies on the bioavailability of various itraconazole brands available in the market. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the plasma concentration of itraconazole of various brands and its correlation with clinical efficacy in chronic dermatophytosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with chronic dermatophytosis with age >18 years were studied at the outpatient clinic of our tertiary care hospital. Plasma itraconazole level was estimated on Week 2 and Week 4 after randomly dividing the patients into Groups A, B and C who received cap itraconazole 100 mg twice a day of innovator, multinational and local generic brands, respectively, for 4 weeks. Both efficacy (cure, partial cure or no cure), safety and recurrence were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, number of patients classified as 'cured' were 10/26 (38.4%) in Group A, 5/22 in Group B (22.7%) and 3/21 (14.2%) in Group C (p = .002). Mycological cure rates at Week 4 in Groups A, B and C were 21 (80.8%), 17 (81.0%) and 5 (26.3%), respectively (p = .006). Plasma levels of itraconazole were comparable between the three groups at Week 2 and Week 4. No statistically significant correlation was found between itraconazole levels and treatment response in any of the groups at 4 weeks. Incidence of adverse effects and recurrence rates was also similar among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Cure rates for chronic dermatophytosis were poor with all three itraconazole brands at 4 weeks of treatment. Higher cure rates were obtained with innovator drug as compared to multinational and local generic brands at 4 weeks. Plasma levels of the three drugs were however similar, indicating that factors other than serum bioavailability are at play in determining response of chronic dermatophyte infections to oral itraconazole.

Clinical and laboratory parameters associated with treatment response to third-line therapies in chronic refractory urticaria: A real world study from northern India.

Current guidelines recommend omalizumab and cyclosporine for management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) refractory to anti-histamines. Identification of clinico-epidemiological characteristics predictive of treatment response with both modalities which will aid therapy selection. Clinical records of CSU patients receiving omalizumab and cyclosporine from May 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a minimum follow-up duration of 4 months were included in the analysis. Treatment response was defined as >90% recorded reduction in Urticaria Activity Score-7 (UAS7) as compared to baseline 4 months after treatment initiation. Records of 1364 CSU patients were reviewed. A total of 56 patients who received omalizumab and 132 patients who received cyclosporine fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Treatment response was observed in 46 out of 56 (82.1%) patients in the omalizumab cohort and 106 out of 132 (80.3%) patients in the cyclosporine cohort (P = 0.76). Factors significantly associated with response to omalizumab included high baseline serum IgE levels (P = 0.028), lesser disease duration (P = 0.001), and absence of prior immunosuppressant use (P = 0.024). Factors predictive of cyclosporine response included high baseline UAS7 (P = 0.048), low baseline IgE levels (P = 0.047), and normal baseline D-dimer levels (P = 0.027). Concomitant inducible urticaria, atopy, and angioedema were associated with non-response in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). Incidence of adverse events was slightly higher in cyclosporine group (28.7%) as compared to omalizumab group (19.5%, P = 0.19). This study highlights several clinical parameters and laboratory markers that may be utilized to predict treatment response and aid in prognostication of patients with CSU.

Intralesional vitamin D injection for management of keloids.

Having read the recent review article on therapies for keloid in this journal, we would like to add to this exhaustive list of novel therapies for keloid by describing our experience of managing keloids with intralesional vitamin D injection. Intralesional vitamin D is another promising treatment option for keloids that has garnered significant interest from clinicians due to easy availability, low cost and favourable safety profile.

Evolving utility of apremilast in dermatological disorders for off-label indications.

Apremilast, a small molecule that acts by inhibition of the phosphodiesterase-4 enzyme, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and Behçet disease. The drug has drawn much interest from practising dermatologists in view of its exceptional safety profile and prescription convenience, as evident by the recent surge of literature describing its off-label indications. This review was carried out with the aim of summarizing the literature on off-label use of apremilast in dermatology, in order to guide clinicians regarding currently available evidence. The PubMed database was searched using 'apremilast' as a keyword in the title. Abstracts were individually screened to determine whether there was a description of an off-label use of apremilast in dermatology within the article. Randomized controlled trial data were available for vitiligo, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis. Case series and case reports describing apremilast were also reviewed. Owing to its broad spectrum of immunomodulatory activity, apremilast may be useful in several chronic inflammatory skin diseases recalcitrant to conventional therapies, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Further studies are needed to establish its role in various dermatological indications.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis-like presentation of toxic erythema of chemotherapy.

Toxic erythema of chemotherapy is an umbrella term encompassing a range of reactions characterized by symmetric erythematous to dusky patches, which can develop oedema, desquamation and/or purpura. We describe an elderly patient with prostate cancer who developed this complication while receiving docetaxel chemotherapy, presenting with prominent mucosal and periorificial involvement, along with epidermal necrosis, closely mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Candidiasis presenting as pseudocircinate balanitis in a preschooler.

Candidal balanitis typically affects sexually active adult males and may present as eroded papules, pustules, whitish discharge or erythema with dry glazed appearance. We report an unusual presentation of this common infection in an uncommon demographic, candidal balanitis presenting as coalescent vesicles and erosions arranged in an arcuate pattern in a pre-school child.

Oral cyclosporine is effective in stabilizing active vitiligo: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

Oral dexamethasone mini pulse (OMP) is an established treatment modality for active vitiligo. Cyclosporine may have therapeutic role in active vitiligo but current evidence supporting its role is scarce. The objective of study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral cyclosporine with OMP in patients of active vitiligo. Fifty patients with active vitiligo were randomized into two groups of 25 patients. Group 1 was treated with OMP (2.5 mg dexamethasone) on two consecutive days/week for 4 months while group 2 was treated with cyclosporine (3 mg/kg/day) for 4 months. Laboratory monitoring was performed as per the prevalent protocol. The patients were followed up for another 2 months after stopping treatment. Arrest of disease progression (ADP) was defined as change of vitiligo disease activity score from 4+ to 3+ (time elapsed since last disease activity being more than 6 weeks upto 3 months) during the study period (6 months). ADP was attained in 21 patients in group 1 and 22 patients in group 2 (84% vs. 88%, p = 1.00) at the end of 6 months. However, mean time to achieve ADP was significantly lower in group 2 as compared to group 1 (10.92 [4.12] weeks vs. 13.90 [3.92] weeks, p = 0.01). Extent of repigmentation, improvement in patient assessment score, vitiligo quality of life and clinical markers of disease activity were marginal and comparable in both groups. Cyclosporine leads to earlier disease stabilization in active vitiligo as compared to OMP. Although considered a rescue drug in dermatology, low dose cyclosporine can be an effective therapeutic alternative in vitiligo patients.

Teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience at a tertiary care centre in North India.

BACKGROUND: Teledermatology has evolved as a valuable option to outpatient visits during the current pandemic. We set up a smartphone-based hybrid model of teledermatology services providing direct care to patients at our center. To analyse patient and physician-experience and acceptability for teledermatology over a 6-month-period, along with clinicodemographic profile of patients. METHODOLOGY: Single-center, retrospective study conducted from May 20, 2020 to October 31, 2020. Patient satisfaction level for teledermatology was assessed on a 4-point scale and compared with the satisfaction level during their previous physical visits prior to COVID-19 pandemic. A physician assessment form was utilised to record the experience of dermatologists while providing teledermatology services. RESULTS: Of 7530 patients registered, a successful consult was provided to 6125 patients (81.34%). Average number of teleconsultations/day rose from 23.60 in May 2020 to 77.96 in October 2020. Mean age of patients availing teledermatology services was 33.60 ± 16.99 years. Average distance to care and travel time were 100.90 ± 171.77 km and 135 ± 222.32 min, respectively. A definitive diagnosis could be ascertained in 5724 patients (93.45%) and in-person visit was recommended to 133 patients (2.2%). Out of 6125 patients, 5229 could be contacted for feedback, 935 (18.18%), 2230 (42.65%), 1749 (33.45%), and 300 patients (5.70%) reported being very satisfied, satisfied, partially satisfied, and unsatisfied, respectively. Of 1914 patients, who had availed in-person OPD facilities prior to the pandemic, 914 patients (49.62%) preferred in-person visits. Of 34 dermatologists surveyed, 88.2% felt comfortable providing teleconsultations and 82.4% felt the need to continue teledermatology services in the upcoming months. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, teledermatology is a valid alternative for in-person dermatology visits during the current crisis; helping with initial triage and further patient management. Further refinement of the process could lead to even more acceptability.

Task sharing for the management of leprosy by nurses in a tertiary healthcare setting of Northern India.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing leprosy due to a shortage of dermatologists and other healthcare professionals. METHODS: A total of 100 leprosy patients were divided into experimental (n=50) and control groups (n=50). The intervention included face-to-face counseling by a trained nurse, motivational videos and exercise demonstrations. The control group received standard care. The primary outcome of interest was treatment adherence (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale); other assessed outcomes included changes in perceived stigma (Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item) and quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF Scale) from baseline to week 8. RESULTS: The intervention group had better treatment adherence (p<0.001). At baseline, moderately severe and severe depression prevalence was 18% and 28%, respectively, and anxiety was 25%, with no intergroup differences. Anxiety significantly decreased in the intervention group (p<0.001), but depression remained similar (p=0.291). Perceived stigma improved notably, especially in disclosure of concern (p<0.001), internal stigma (p<0.001) and anticipated stigma (p<0.001). Quality of life scores improved in the intervention group vs controls. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led interventions effectively enhanced quality of life and treatment adherence and reduced anxiety, depression and perceived stigma among leprosy patients. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of nurses for active involvement in leprosy care.