Interventions for infantile haemangiomas of the skin.

BACKGROUND: Infantile haemangiomas (previously known as strawberry birthmarks) are soft, raised swellings of the skin that occur in 3% to 10% of infants. These benign vascular tumours are usually uncomplicated and tend to regress spontaneously. However, when haemangiomas occur in high-risk areas, such as near the eyes, throat, or nose, impairing their function, or when complications develop, intervention may be necessary. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions for the management of infantile haemangiomas in children. SEARCH METHODS: We updated our searches of the following databases to February 2017: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, LILACS, and CINAHL. We also searched five trials registries and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of all types of interventions, versus placebo, active monitoring, or other interventions, in any child with single or multiple infantile haemangiomas (IHs) located on the skin. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcome measures were clearance, a subjective measure of improvement, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were other measures of resolution; proportion of parents or children who consider there is still a problem; aesthetic appearance; and requirement for surgical correction. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome; this is indicated in italics. MAIN RESULTS: We included 28 RCTs, with a total of 1728 participants, assessing 12 different interventions, including lasers, beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, timolol maleate), radiation therapy, and steroids. Comparators included placebo, an active monitoring approach, sham radiation, and interventions given alone or in combination.Studies were conducted in a number of countries, including China, Egypt, France, and Australia. Participant age ranged from 12 weeks to 13.4 years. Most studies (23/28) included a majority of females and different types of IHs. Duration of follow-up ranged from 7 days to 72 months.We considered most of the trials as at low risk of random sequence generation, attrition bias, and selective reporting bias. Domains such as allocation concealment and blinding were not clearly reported in general. We downgraded evidence for issues related to risk of bias and imprecision.We report results for the three most important comparisons, which we chose on the basis of current use. Outcome measurement of these comparisons was at 24 weeks' follow-up.Oral propranolol versus placeboCompared with placebo, oral propranolol 3 mg/kg/day probably improves clinician-assessed clearance (risk ratio (RR) 16.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.22 to 65.34; 1 study; 156 children; moderate-quality evidence) and probably leads to a clinician-assessed reduction in mean haemangioma volume of 45.9% (95% CI 11.60 to 80.20; 1 study; 40 children; moderate-quality evidence). We found no evidence of a difference in terms of short- or long-term serious adverse events (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.33 to 3.39; 3 studies; 509 children; low-quality evidence), nor in terms of bronchospasm, hypoglycaemia, or serious cardiovascular adverse events. The results relating to clearance and resolution for this comparison were based on one industry-sponsored study.Topical timolol maleate versus placeboThe chance of reduction of redness, as a measure of clinician-assessed resolution, may be improved with topical timolol maleate 0.5% gel applied twice daily when compared with placebo (RR 8.11, 95% CI 1.09 to 60.09; 1 study; 41 children;low-quality evidence). Regarding short- or long-term serious cardiovascular events, we found no instances of bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) or hypotension in either group (1 study; 41 children; low-quality evidence). No other safety data were assessed, and clearance was not measured.Oral propranolol versus topical timolol maleateWhen topical timolol maleate (0.5% eye drops applied twice daily) was compared with oral propranolol (via a tablet taken once per day, at a 1.0 mg/kg dose), there was no evidence of a difference in haemangioma size (as a measure of resolution) when measured by the proportion of patients with a clinician-assessed reduction of 50% or greater (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.97; 1 study; 26 participants; low-quality evidence). Although there were more short- or long-term general adverse effects (such as severe diarrhoea, lethargy, and loss of appetite) in the oral propranolol group, there was no evidence of a difference between groups (RR 7.00, 95% CI 0.40 to 123.35; 1 study; 26 participants; very low-quality evidence). This comparison did not measure clearance.None of our key comparisons evaluated, at any follow-up, a subjective measure of improvement assessed by the parent or child; proportion of parents or children who consider there is still a problem; or physician-, child-, or parent-assessed aesthetic appearance. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found there to be a limited evidence base for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas: a large number of interventions and outcomes have not been assessed in RCTs.Our key results indicate that in the management of IH in children, oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate are more beneficial than placebo in terms of clearance or other measures of resolution, or both, without an increase in harms. We found no evidence of a difference between oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate with regard to reducing haemangioma size, but we are uncertain if there is a difference in safety. Oral propranolol is currently the standard treatment for this condition, and our review has not found evidence to challenge this. However, these results are based on moderate- to very low-quality evidence.The included studies were limited by small sample sizes and risk of bias in some domains. Future trials should blind personnel and participants; describe trials thoroughly in publications; and recruit a sufficient number of children to deduce meaningful results. Future trials should assess patient-reported outcomes, as well as objective outcomes of benefit, and should report adverse events comprehensively. Propranolol and timolol maleate require further assessment in RCTs of all types of IH, including those considered problematic, as do other lesser-used interventions and new interventions. All treatments should be compared against propranolol and timolol maleate, as beta blockers are approved as standard care.

Oleogel-S10 in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Series Evaluating the Impact on Wound Burden Over Two Years.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, difficult-to-treat, inherited multisystem diseases affecting epithelial integrity. Impaired wound healing is central and can lead to serious clinical complications, deformities, and symptoms with a devastating impact on quality of life (QoL). Dressing changes and wound care are central to the management of EB. Recently Oleogel-S10 (also known as birch bark extract or birch triterpenes) was approved in Europe and the UK for treating EB wounds. This approval was based on data from the EASE phase 3 study, which demonstrated Oleogel-S10 accelerated wound healing, reduced total wound burden, and decreased the frequency of dressing changes in patients with EB. A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for up to 24 months in 13 patients with EB treated with Oleogel-S10 through an early access programme in Colombia. Effectiveness was assessed by measuring body surface area percentage (BSAP) and total body wound burden (EBDASI). Tolerability and safety were monitored throughout. This is the first report to evaluate the effectiveness of Oleogel-S10 in clinical practice. The results showed a reduction in percentage of BSA affected, from a mean of 27.3% at baseline to 10.4% at 24-month follow-up, despite treatment interruptions. A reduction in EBDASI skin activity score of - 16.2 (24 months) together with a reduced skin damage index score of - 15.4 (18 months) was also observed. Physicians, patients, and caregivers perceived faster wound closure. Adherence with therapy by patients was good, and patients expressed satisfaction with treatment and reported improvements in self-esteem, productivity, and social interaction. Oleogel-S10 was well tolerated; however, two patients reported worsening wounds related to gauze adherence. Two deaths during treatment interruption were reported and was not considered related to Oleogel-S10. This study supports the effectiveness of Oleogel-S10 in a real-world scenario in a country with scarce resources for the treatment of EB.

On Using a Mobile Application to Support Teledermatology: A Case Study in an Underprivileged Area in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The use of mobile applications in dermatology to support remote diagnosis is gaining acceptance, particularly in rural areas, where dermatology services are commonly managed by healthcare personnel with no specialty training. Moreover, ontologies-sets of concepts that represent knowledge in a given domain-are increasingly being used to support medical diagnosis. A specific case is ONTODerm: an ontology to aid dermatological diagnosis. However, there is little information on the combined use of mobile applications and ontologies as support solutions in dermatology. OBJECTIVE: Assessing the reliability of ONTODerm as a tool to support remote dermatological diagnosis when used together with a mobile dermatological application in underprivileged areas. METHODS: A mobile application that allows characterization of skin lesions was developed, and the information about the lesions was sent to ONTODerm. An exploratory study was conducted in a remote area without access to a dermatologist. A total of 64 dermatological queries were recorded in the application and consulted with ONTODerm. Later, an experienced dermatologist evaluated the characterization and diagnosis of each query to determine the accuracy of the system. RESULTS: The results showed that the probability of obtaining a correct diagnosis was between 64.4% and 85.6% with a confidence interval of 95%. A higher accuracy rate was obtained when the skin lesion occurred on the face or when its border was categorized as poorly demarcated. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the implementation of a teledermatology strategy based on mobile applications and domain ontology-driven knowledge base to provide timely assistance to healthcare professionals. This approach was found to be pertinent in the Colombian rural context, particularly in forest regions, where dermatology specialists are not available. The results of this article do not represent a final validation of the proposed approach; they suggest how the ontology can be improved to effectively support medical staff in marginalized regions.

Influencia del nivel de pH de geles blanqueadores en la rugosidad superficial del esmalte bovino / Influence of pH Value of Bleaching Gels on Surface Roughness of Bovine Enamel

Resumen: Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de los niveles de pH de tres geles de blanqueamiento de consultorio en la rugosidad superficial del esmalte bovino, después del protocolo del blanqueamiento. Materiales y métodos: Se obtuvo 36 muestras de esmalte bovino, las cuales fueron cortadas y divididas en tres grupos (n=15): peróxido de hidrógeno 40% (Opalescence Boost 40%), peróxido de hidrógeno 35% (Whiteness HP AutoMixx) y peróxido de hidrógeno 35% (Whiteness HP Blue), recibiendo una aplicación de 40 minutos de blanqueamiento. Los valores del promedio del pH fueron determinados utilizando un pHmetro durante la aplicación inicial y final del gel. Un rugosímetro fue utilizado para evaluar la rugosidad superficial (Ra) antes y después del blanqueamiento. Los datos fueron analizados con la prueba de Friedmann y wilcoxon (diferencia entre grupos); la prueba Kruskall Wallis y U de mann (diferencia en cada grupo), así como prueba de Pearson o Spearman para la correlación. Resultados: Hay un aumento en los valores del pH del inicio al final del blanqueamiento en todos los grupos, excepto para el grupo peróxido de hidrógeno 35% (Whiteness HP Automixx). Para los resultados de rugosidad superficial existe un aumento en todos los grupos. No se encontró correlación entre niveles de pH de los geles blanqueadores y la rugosidad superficial del esmalte después del blanqueamiento. Conclusiones: Los geles blanqueadores de peróxido de hidrógeno con altas concentraciones que presenten un pH alto o bajo podrían causar alteraciones de la superficie del esmalte dental, como el aumento en la rugosidad superficial.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the pH levels of three in-office bleaching gels on the surface roughness of bovine enamel, after the bleaching protocol. Materials and methods: 36 samples of bovine enamel were obtained, which were cut and divided into three groups (n=12): 40%hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Boost40%), 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP AutoMixx) and 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP Blue), receiving a 40-minute application of bleaching. The average pH values were determined using a pH meter during the initial and final application of the gel. A roughness meter was used to assess surface roughness (Ra) before and after bleaching. Data were analyzed with the Friedmann and wilcoxon test (difference between groups); the Kruskall Wallis and U Mann test (difference in each group), as well as Pearson or Spearman test for correlation. Results: There is an increase in pH values from the beginning to the end of bleaching in all groups, except for the 35% hydrogen peroxide group (Whiteness HP Automixx). For surface roughness results there is an increase in all groups. No correlation was found between pH values of the bleaching gels and the surface roughness of the enamel after bleaching. Conclusions: Hydrogen peroxide bleaching gels with high concentrations that have a high or low pH could cause alterations in the surface of the tooth enamel, such as increase in surface roughness.

Miastenia gravis seronegativa: revisión de la literatura / Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis: A Literature Review

RESUMEN En 1976 se identificaron varios anticuerpos dirigidos contra el receptor de acetil colina en el suero de los pacientes con miastenia gravis (MG). Sin embargo, luego de unos años, se evidenció que aproximadamente el 20 % de los pacientes con MG generalizada y con evidencia electrofisiológica de un trastorno de la unión neuromuscular, no expresan dichos anticuerpos por radioinmunoensayo (RIA); éstos constituyen los casos de miastenia gravis seronegativa (MGSN). El diagnóstico en estos pacientes es difícil, dada la ausencia de autoanticuerpos detectables en suero y la falta de estudios neurofisiológicos sensibles. Recientemente un nuevo método basado en ensayos celulares muestra un aumento significativo en la detección de miastenia seropositiva, en casos diagnosticados previamente como seronegativos. Este artículo pretende dar un abordaje sobre la fisiopatología de la miastenia gravis seronegativa, así como una actualización de los últimos avances sobre su diagnóstico. También busca hacer una revisión sobre el contexto general actual de esta patología en Colombia.

SUMMARY In 1976 antibodies against acetyl-choline receptor were identified on the serum of patients with myasthenia gravis. However, some years later, it became clear that about 20% of patients with generalized MG and an electro physiologic disorder on the neuromuscular junction did not express these antibodies by radioimmunoassay (RIPA). These cases represent seronegative myasthenia gravis (SNMG). The diagnosis of these patients is difficult, given the absence of detectable autoantibodies on serum and the lack of sensitive neurophysiologic tests. Recently, a new method based on cellular assays shows an increase on detection of seropositive MG from cases, which were initially diagnosed as seronegative. This article reviews the physiopathology of seronegative MG and gives an update on the latest advances concerning its diagnosis. It also hopes to approach the current general context of the illness in Colombia.

Recubrimiento pulpar directo e idirecto: mantenimiento de vitalidad pulpar / Direct and indirect pulp capping: maintaining pulp vitality

El recubrimiento pulpar directo e indirecto, desde el punto de vista biológico y clínico, representa importantes mecanismos para el mantenimiento de la vitalidad pulpar; sin embargo aún es considerado un tema controversial en la clínica odontológica, debido a la complejidad del diagnóstico y a la delicada conducta terapéutica necesaria para obtener éxito en el tratamiento clínico. En tal sentido, este artículo realizará un abordaje biológico y clínico del Recubrimiento Pulpar Directo e Indirecto con la intención de resaltar la importancia fundamental del diagnóstico clínico y radiográfico de la condición pulpar, enfatizando las indicaciones y contra indicaciones de ambos tratamientos. Adicionalmente serán materia de discusión los materiales comúnmente utilizados para la protección del complejo dentinopulpar y las nuevas perspectivas en esta área

Direct and indirect pulp capping represents important mechanisms, from the point of clinical and biological aspects to maintain the pulp vitality. However, it still a controversy issue at dental field, once the complexity diagnosis and the accurately therapeutics are need to achieve the success of clinical treatment. Seeing that, this article outlines the broad of the biological and clinical approach of the direct and indirect pulp capping. Emphasizing fundamentally the importance of the corrected diagnose of clinical and radiographic pulp condition, further the indications and contra-indications of both treatments. Furthermore, it will be discussed regarding the classical dental materials used to dentin-pulp protection and contemporary perspectives in this area

Efectos secundarios de los tratamientos del cáncer de próstata localizado en la calidad de vida y el ajuste marital / Secondary effects of the localizaed prostate cancer treatments on the quelity of life and marital adjustment

El objetivo general de este estudio descriptivo correlacional fue analizar la relación entre los efectos secundarios del tratamiento antineoplásico, la calidad de vida y el ajuste marital en hombres que han sufrido cáncer de próstata localizado. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron una entrevista estructurada para la recolección de datos sociodemográficos

El análisis del comportamiento en los temas sociales: una propuesta para una cultura de paz / Behavior analysis of social issues: a proposal for a peace culture

Este articulo presenta una revisión de los principales aportes del análisis del comportamiento contemporáneo a los asuntos sociales y culturales, para aproximarse a un an{alisis del tema de las culturas de paz en el caso colombiano. Se describen las propuestas de varios autores como Lamal, Glenn, Guerin, Mattaini y Biglan, con sus orígenes en Kantor y en Skinner, desde la psicología y en Harris, desde la antropología cultural. Igualmente se muestran coincidencias entre las propuestas del análisis del comportamiento y desde otras perspectivas no necesariamente psicológicas. Con base en los principios conductuales y en la noción de metacontingencia se proponen aquellas que caracterizarían una cultura de paz, reconociendo las ventajas del diseño cultural. Finalmente se concluye la importancia de la responsabilidad política del analista del comportamiento y la convergencia de su trabajo con la psicología política