Frequency of skin diseases in renal transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary center: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased in the recent decades, along with the number of patients in the terminal stages of this disease, requiring transplantation. Some skin disorders are more frequent in patients with CKD and in renal transplant recipients (RTR). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of skin diseases in RTR and patients with CKD receiving conservative treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This observational cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients with CKD and RTR from a nephrology clinic at a teaching hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2020. METHODS: Quantitative, descriptive, and analytical approaches were used. The sample was selected based on convenience sampling. Data were collected from dermatological visits and participants' medical records. RESULTS: Overall, 308 participants were included: 206 RTR (66.9%, median age: 48 years, interquartile range [IQR] 38.0-56.0, 63.6% men) and 102 patients with CKD (33.1%, median age: 61.0 years, IQR 50.0-71.2, 48% men). The frequency of infectious skin diseases (39.3% vs. 21.6% P = 0.002) were higher in RTR than in patients with CKD. Neoplastic skin lesions were present in nine (4.4%) RTR and in only one (1.0%) patient with CKD. Among the RTR, the ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma was 2:1. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that an increased frequency of infectious skin diseases may be expected in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. Among skin cancers, BCC is more frequently observed in RTR, especially in those using azathioprine.

Frequency of skin diseases in renal transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary center: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased in the recent decades, along with the number of patients in the terminal stages of this disease, requiring transplantation. Some skin disorders are more frequent in patients with CKD and in renal transplant recipients (RTR). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of skin diseases in RTR and patients with CKD receiving conservative treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This observational cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients with CKD and RTR from a nephrology clinic at a teaching hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2020. METHODS: Quantitative, descriptive, and analytical approaches were used. The sample was selected based on convenience sampling. Data were collected from dermatological visits and participants' medical records. RESULTS: Overall, 308 participants were included: 206 RTR (66.9%, median age: 48 years, interquartile range [IQR] 38.0-56.0, 63.6% men) and 102 patients with CKD (33.1%, median age: 61.0 years, IQR 50.0-71.2, 48% men). The frequency of infectious skin diseases (39.3% vs. 21.6% P = 0.002) were higher in RTR than in patients with CKD. Neoplastic skin lesions were present in nine (4.4%) RTR and in only one (1.0%) patient with CKD. Among the RTR, the ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma was 2:1. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that an increased frequency of infectious skin diseases may be expected in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. Among skin cancers, BCC is more frequently observed in RTR, especially in those using azathioprine.

The use of occlusive dressings: influence on excisional wound healing in animal model.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of occlusive dressing on the healing of excisional skin wounds in mice. METHODS: Pre-clinical, comparative, and translational study. Mice were divided into three experimental groups: wounds occluded with hydrocolloid (HD) dressings, transparent polyurethane film (TF) dressings, and without occlusion (WO), monitored at three, six and 14 days, with eight animals each. Closure rate, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, measurement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and, histologically, angiogenesis were evaluated. RESULTS: Wound closure was accelerated in the occlusive groups. There was a decrease in TNF-α levels in the HD group when compared to the WO and TF groups. Neutrophils accumulation decreased in the HD group. Increased dosages of macrophages were evidenced in the HD group, compared to the WO and TF groups. Levels of VEGF were increased in the TF and HD groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the occlusion of wounds modulates the inflammatory response.

Prevalence of people with sickle cell disease and leg ulcers in Brazil: Socioeconomic and clinical overview.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of people with leg ulcers resulting from sickle cell disease, as well as to describe the clinical, social, economic, and demographic conditions of these people. METHOD: Descriptive study, carried out at the Minas Gerais Hematology and Hemotherapy Center Foundation. The study population consisted of individuals over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was performed from August 2019 to April 2020 through interviews. For the prevalence calculation, a census was taken of 5,379 people over the age of 18 with sickle cell disease, 77 of whom had active leg ulcers. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The prevalence of people with leg ulcers in Minas Gerais, Brazil was 1.4%. Of the 72 respondents, the average age was 39 years (range 18-64 years), 41.7% were single, 48.6% said they were black, 84.7% lived in their own house, 38.9% were retired, 61.1% had an income of one minimum wage. The median years of education was 10.5, 50% cited the church as a place for leisure activities, 79.2% denied smoking. Regarding pain, the median score was 3, the median baseline hemoglobin was 7.7 g/dL, and 91.7% had the HbSS genotype. The median age of the first ulcer was 18 years, 77.8% of active ulcers were recurrent, and 59.7% had only one active ulcer. The median time of existence of the ulcer was 3 years. The ulcer prevented 80.6% of people from doing some activity. Prejudice was experienced by 48.6% of the participants. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of leg ulcers was lower than what it reported in the literature, however, the recurrence and the duration of ulcers were high. These findings bring reflection about the assistance to people with leg ulcer.

Biofilm model on mice skin wounds.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a biofilm model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in excisional cutaneous wound in mice. METHODS: Preclinical, translational study conducted with 64 C57BL/6 mice randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Evaluation was on days D0, D3, D5, D7 and D10 of wound making. The profile of biofilm formation and induction was evaluated using wound closure kinetics, quantitative culture, and evaluation of wounds using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Clinical evaluation was performed by liver tissue culture, weight variation, and quantification of leukocytes in peripheral blood. Analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS: Bacterial load for induction of infection with P. aeruginosa and survival of animals was 104 UFC·mL-1. In D5 (p < 0.0001) and D7 (p < 0.01), animals in the intervention group showed a delay in the healing process and had their wounds covered by necrotic tissue until D10. Statistical differences were observed in wound cultures and weight at D5 and D7 (p < 0.01). Liver cultures and leukocyte quantification showed no statistical differences. No bacteria in planktonic or biofilm form were identified by TEM. CONCLUSIONS: The findings raise questions about the understanding of the ease of formation and high occurrence of biofilm in chronic wounds.

Biofilm model on mice skin wounds

Purpose: To evaluate a biofilm model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in excisional cutaneous wound in mice. Methods: Preclinical, translational study conducted with 64 C57BL/6 mice randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Evaluation was on days D0, D3, D5, D7 and D10 of wound making. The profile of biofilm formation and induction was evaluated using wound closure kinetics, quantitative culture, and evaluation of wounds using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Clinical evaluation was performed by liver tissue culture, weight variation, and quantification of leukocytes in peripheral blood. Analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism software. Results: Bacterial load for induction of infection with P. aeruginosa and survival of animals was 104 UFC·mL-1. In D5 (p < 0.0001) and D7 (p < 0.01), animals in the intervention group showed a delay in the healing process and had their wounds covered by necrotic tissue until D10. Statistical differences were observed in wound cultures and weight at D5 and D7 (p < 0.01). Liver cultures and leukocyte quantification showed no statistical differences. No bacteria in planktonic or biofilm form were identified by TEM. Conclusions: The findings raise questions about the understanding of the ease of formation and high occurrence of biofilm in chronic wounds.

The use of occlusive dressings: influence on excisional wound healing in animal model

Purpose: To analyze the influence of occlusive dressing on the healing of excisional skin wounds in mice. Methods: Pre-clinical, comparative, and translational study. Mice were divided into three experimental groups: wounds occluded with hydrocolloid (HD) dressings, transparent polyurethane film (TF) dressings, and without occlusion (WO), monitored at three, six and 14 days, with eight animals each. Closure rate, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, measurement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and, histologically, angiogenesis were evaluated. Results: Wound closure was accelerated in the occlusive groups. There was a decrease in TNF-α levels in the HD group when compared to the WO and TF groups. Neutrophils accumulation decreased in the HD group. Increased dosages of macrophages were evidenced in the HD group, compared to the WO and TF groups. Levels of VEGF were increased in the TF and HD groups. Conclusions: It is suggested that the occlusion of wounds modulates the inflammatory response.

Update on human papillomavirus - Part II: complementary diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis.

In this nonsystematic review, the complementary diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of human papillomavirus are discussed. The histopathology is addressed regarding its indications, main findings and limitations, as a complementary diagnostic method largely used by dermatologists. Electron microscopy is briefly reviewed, along with its contribution to the accumulated knowledge on HPV, as well as the relevance of research in using this technology for future advances in diagnosis and treatment. Molecular information about the virus is continuously increasing, and the practical applications of HPV serology, molecular identification and genotyping are discussed. Vaccines are a valuable tool in primary HPV infection prevention and are now available in many countries; their composition, indications, and adverse effects are revisited. Local and systemic treatment options are reviewed and off-label prescriptions are discussed. Finally, health education focusing on HPV infection as a sexually transmitted infection of worldwide relevance and the many barriers to improve primary and secondary prevention are addressed.

Update on human papilloma virus - part I: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical spectrum.

Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is related to a great number of cutaneous and mucosal manifestations. The spectrum of HPV ranges from inapparent infections, through various clinical benign presentations including cutaneous and mucosal disease, to malignant and premalignant conditions. New HPV types are currently described in the literature; many of them are characterized as high-risk types due to their oncogenic potential. Knowledge regarding their epidemiology and pathogenesis is important to understand not only infection and disease processes, but also to formulate the clinical and laboratory basis for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prophylactic measures. This non-systematic review aims to discuss and to update those aspects, with an emphasis on relevant topics for dermatologists. HPV infection and related diseases in the Brazilian scenario are highlighted, including common dermatologic conditions seen at clinics as well as the condition of a public health problem as a sexually transmitted infection. The oncogenicity of the virus and the variety of clinical outcomes - especially in the immunocompromised individuals - are addressed.

Expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in leprosy indicates immune evasion of Mycobacterium leprae.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is an infectious-contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that remain endemic in 105 countries. This neglected disease has a wide range of clinical and histopathological manifestations that are related to the host inflammatory and immune responses. More recently, the inflammasome has assumed a relevant role in the inflammatory response against microbiological agents. However, the involvement of inflammasome in leprosy remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to associate biomarkers of inflammasome with the different immunopathological forms of leprosy. METHODS: We performed an observational, cross-sectional, and comparative study of the immunophenotypic expression of inflammasome-associated proteins in immunopathological forms of leprosy of 99 skin lesion samples by immunohistochemistry. The intensity and percentage of NLRP3, Caspase-1, Caspases-4/5, interleukin-1ß and interleukin-18 immunoreactivities in the inflammatory infiltrate of skin biopsies were evaluated. FINDINGS: Strong expression of NLRP3 and inflammatory Caspases-4/5 were observed in lepromatous leprosy (lepromatous pole). In addition, were observed low expression of caspase-1, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-18 in tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy. The interpolar or borderline form showed immunophenotype predominantly similar to the lepromatous pole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is inactive in leprosy, suggesting immune evasion of M. leprae.

Factors associated with complex surgical wounds in breast and abdomen: a case-control observational study.

OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with complex surgical wounds in the breasts and abdomen in outpatients. METHOD: observational case-control study involving 327 patients, distributed into 160 cases (complex surgical wound) and 167 controls (simple surgical wound). Data were extracted from the medical records and a binary logistic regression model was used for analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: the factors associated with greater chance of occurrence of complex surgical wound were 18 to 59 years of age (p = 0.003), schooling < 8 years (p = 0.049), radiotherapy (p < 0.001), hysterectomy (p = 0.003), glycemia (≤ 99 mg/dL) and arterial hypertension (p = 0.033), while quadrantectomy (p = 0.025) served as a protective factor. CONCLUSION: radiotherapy was the most significant factor for surgical wound complications. Glycemic alteration was an unexpected result and shows the need for further studies related to this topic.

Effect of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Solution on Bacterial Load and Biofilm in Venous Leg Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) solution as a wound cleanser on bacterial load and bacterial biofilm in venous leg ulcers. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The target population was adults attending the dermatology outpatient clinic of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sample comprised 44 patients with venous leg ulcers recruited over a 6-month period. METHODS: Participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group had their wounds cleansed with PHMB, and the control group had their wound cleansed with a 0.9% saline solution. Tissue fragments of the wounds were collected for bacteriological analysis; transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the presence of biofilm. RESULTS: The bacterial load was reduced in both groups compared to baseline values; no significant difference was found when groups were compared. Correlation analysis between wound duration (months), wound area (cm²), necrosis (%), variables, and bacterial count (colony forming units [CFUs]/g) after cleansing showed a significant relationship between area of the wound and CFUs/g (P = .0070, r = 0.51). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of bacterial biofilm in the wounds after cleansing with both solutions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that both PHMB and saline solution are effective in reducing the bacterial load in venous leg ulcers. However, bacterial biofilm was present after cleansing with both solutions. These findings provide important evidence regarding effectiveness of 2 common wound cleansers on bacterial presence in wounds.

Lobomycosis: a therapeutic challenge.

Lobomycosis or lacaziosis is a chronic granulomatous fungal infection caused by Lacazia loboi. Most cases are restricted to tropical regions. Transmission is believed to occur through traumatic inoculation in the skin, mainly in exposed areas. It is characterized by keloid-like nodules. There are only a few hundred cases reported. The differential diagnoses include many skin conditions, and treatment is difficult. The reported case, initially diagnosed as keloid, proved to be refractory to surgical treatment alone. It was subsequently approached with extensive surgery, cryotherapy every three months and a combination of itraconazole and clofazimine for two years. No signs of clinical and histopathological activity were detected during follow-up.

Lobomycosis: a therapeutic challenge

Abstract: Lobomycosis or lacaziosis is a chronic granulomatous fungal infection caused by Lacazia loboi. Most cases are restricted to tropical regions. Transmission is believed to occur through traumatic inoculation in the skin, mainly in exposed areas. It is characterized by keloid-like nodules. There are only a few hundred cases reported. The differential diagnoses include many skin conditions, and treatment is difficult. The reported case, initially diagnosed as keloid, proved to be refractory to surgical treatment alone. It was subsequently approached with extensive surgery, cryotherapy every three months and a combination of itraconazole and clofazimine for two years. No signs of clinical and histopathological activity were detected during follow-up.

Factors associated with complex surgical wounds in breast and abdomen: a case-control observational study / Fatores associados à ferida cirúrgica complexa em regiões de mama e abdome: estudo observacional caso-controle / Factores asociados a la herida quirúrgica compleja en regiones de mama y abdomen: estudio observacional caso-control

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify factors associated with complex surgical wounds in the breasts and abdomen in outpatients. Method: observational case-control study involving 327 patients, distributed into 160 cases (complex surgical wound) and 167 controls (simple surgical wound). Data were extracted from the medical records and a binary logistic regression model was used for analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: the factors associated with greater chance of occurrence of complex surgical wound were 18 to 59 years of age (p = 0.003), schooling < 8 years (p = 0.049), radiotherapy (p < 0.001), hysterectomy (p = 0.003), glycemia (≤ 99 mg/dL) and arterial hypertension (p = 0.033), while quadrantectomy (p = 0.025) served as a protective factor. Conclusion: radiotherapy was the most significant factor for surgical wound complications. Glycemic alteration was an unexpected result and shows the need for further studies related to this topic.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar fatores associados à ferida cirúrgica complexa em mama e abdome em pacientes ambulatoriais. Método: estudo observacional do tipo caso-controle, envolvendo 327 pacientes, sendo 160 casos (ferida cirúrgica complexa) e 167 controles (ferida cirúrgica simples). Os dados foram extraídos dos prontuários e para análise foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logística binária, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: os fatores associados a uma maior chance de ocorrência da ferida cirúrgica complexa foram faixa etária 18 a 59 anos (p = 0,003), escolaridade < 8 anos (p = 0,049), radioterapia (p < 0,001), histerectomia (p = 0,017), hernioplastia (p = 0,003), laparotomia (p = 0,004), glicemia ≤ 99 mg/dL (p = 0,007) e hipertensão arterial (p = 0,033), enquanto quadrantectomia (p = 0,025) atuou como fator protetor. Conclusão: a radioterapia foi o fator com maior significância para complicações da ferida cirúrgica. Alteração glicêmica foi um resultado inesperado, o que mostra a necessidade de mais estudos relacionados a esse tema.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar factores asociados a la herida quirúrgica compleja en mama y abdomen en pacientes de ambulatorios. Método: estudio observacional del tipo caso-control, envolviendo 327 pacientes, siendo 160 casos (herida quirúrgica compleja) y 167 controles (herida quirúrgica simple). Los datos fueron extraídos de los expedientes médicos y fue utilizado el modelo de regresión logística binaria para análisis, considerando nivel de significancia de 5%. Resultados: los factores asociados a una mayor chance de ocurrencia de la herida quirúrgica compleja fueron las edades de 18 a 59 años (p = 0,003), escolaridad < 8 años (p = 0,049), radioterapia (p < 0,001), histerectomía (p = 0,017), cirugía de hernia (p = 0,003), laparotomía (p = 0,004), glicemia ≤ 99 mg/dL (p = 0,007) e hipertensión arterial (p = 0,033), mientras cuadrantectomía (p = 0,025) actuó como factor protector. Conclusión: la radioterapia fue el factor con mayor significancia para complicaciones de la herida quirúrgica. Alteración glicémica fue un resultado inesperado, lo que muestra la necesidad de más estudios relacionados a ese tema.

Case for diagnosis. Infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1: differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 (IDH) is the main cutaneous marker of HTLV-1 infection. This disease occurs primarily in children and should be differentiated from other eczemas, especially from atopic dermatitis. The largest series of IDH are from Jamaica and Brazil. There are an estimated 15 to 20 million infected people in the world, and Brazil is one of the endemic regions. Studies suggest that IDH in children may be a marker for the development of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) or myelopathy associated with HTLV-1/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM / TSP) in adulthood.

Case for diagnosis. Infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1: differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis

Abstract: Infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 (IDH) is the main cutaneous marker of HTLV-1 infection. This disease occurs primarily in children and should be differentiated from other eczemas, especially from atopic dermatitis. The largest series of IDH are from Jamaica and Brazil. There are an estimated 15 to 20 million infected people in the world, and Brazil is one of the endemic regions. Studies suggest that IDH in children may be a marker for the development of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) or myelopathy associated with HTLV-1/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM / TSP) in adulthood.

[Multibacillary leprosy in a renal recipient patient: a case report]. / Hanseníase multibacilar em paciente transplantado renal: relato de caso.

Leprosy is still a public health concern in Brazil, where more than 30,000 new cases are detected every year. There are few reports of this mycobacteriosis in immunosuppressed patients, despite the increasing number of solid organ transplantation and the use of post-transplant drugs in this country. The authors describe a case of multibacillary leprosy in a renal transplant recipient, detected 12 years after the procedure, and discuss the therapy, adverse effects and management of leprosy reactions in patients immunosuppressed by drugs.