ABSTRACT
Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), previously known as lymphangiomatosis, is a rare developmental disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of lymphatic vascular structures that may involve the dermis, soft tissue, bone, and visceral parenchyma. Being an uncommon condition and the lack of specific symptoms often result in a delayed diagnosis or even misdiagnosis, which, in addition to its progressive nature, can lead to dysfunction of vital organs, and ultimately, a poor prognosis. In this report, we present a unique case of GLA in an upper Egyptian female child. Increasing awareness of the possible phenotypic presentations of such anomalies can lead to early diagnosis and possibly more effective management before significant organ damage ensues.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that can lead to serious complications. Nails are a mirror for general health so changes in nails can be an indicator of disease progression in patients with DM. AIM: To detect subclinical nail changes in patients with DM using dermoscopy. METHODS: In total, 100 participants were recruited, all of them from outpatient clinics, made up of a group with DM (n = 50) and an age- and sex-matched control group without DM (n = 50). All patients had clinically apparently normal nails. In both groups, dermoscopic examinations were conducted and compared. RESULTS: It was found that 33 patients in the DM group (66%) had dermoscopic nail findings in the form of microhaemorrhage (26%), longitudinal striations (24%), distal subungual onychomycosis (24%), superficial pitting (20%), distal onycholysis (18%), splinter haemorrhage (14%), subungual hyperkeratosis (12%), dilated vessels (10%) and distal yellowish discoloration (8%). CONCLUSION: Nail examination can be accomplished with the help of dermoscopy to detect subclinical nail changes in patients diagnosed with DM and, therefore, can give us an idea about disease progression and help with control of DM and treatment plans.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Nail Diseases , Humans , Nails/diagnostic imaging , Case-Control Studies , Dermoscopy , Nail Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Disease ProgressionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation which is difficult to treat. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microneedling with trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty women with facial melasma were included and randomly classified into 2 groups. Group A included 20 patients treated with bimonthly session of trichloroacetic acid 25% peeling (8 sessions) combined with a monthly session of microneedling (4 sessions). Group B included the other 20 patients that were treated by bimonthly trichloroacetic acid 25% peeling session (8 sessions) alone. RESULTS: After 1 and 3 months of treatment, the mean melasma area and severity index, modified melasma area and severity index, and melasma severity index scores showed significant improvement in each group (p < .05 for each). At 1 and 3 months, the mean percentages of change of all scores were significantly higher in group A than group B (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Combined trichloroacetic acid peel with microneedling is effective and a safe option for treating melasma.
Subject(s)
Chemexfoliation , Hyperpigmentation , Melanosis , Female , Humans , Chemexfoliation/adverse effects , Face , Hyperpigmentation/etiology , Melanosis/therapy , Melanosis/etiology , Treatment Outcome , Trichloroacetic Acid/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Background: Melasma is a common acquired facial hyperpigmented skin disorder. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is autologous plasma containing higher than normal platelets concentrations. Recently, PRP has been used as a therapeutic modality in melasma with significant clinical improvement, possibly due to its abundant contents of growth factors such as TGF-ß. The latter represents a natural multifunctional polypeptide that negatively regulates melanocyte differentiation and therefore reduces skin hyperpigmentation. To date, the expression pattern of TGF-ß protein in skin of melasma patients following PRP injection is unknown. Here we hypothesize that "injection of PRP in the lesional skin of melasma patients is associated with alterations of TGF-ß protein expression".Patients and Methods: The study included 20 adult patients with melasma. Autologous PRP was delivered into the lesional skin either through microneedling or as intradermal microinjections. TGF-ß protein expression was immunohistochemically examined in the perilesional and lesional skins before and after PRP treatment and in the healthy skins of nine volunteers (control group).Results: TGF-ß protein was expressed within the epidermis, dermal adnexal structures, vascular endothelium, nerves and arrector pili muscle fibers of the healthy skins (control group), perilesional and lesional skins of melasma patients before and after treatment with PRP. Before treatment with PRP, the expression ofTGF-ß protein in the lesional (1.26 ± 0.41) and perilesional (1.68 ± 0.51) skins of melasma patients were significantly lower than that in the healthy skins (2.26 ± 0.37, p value<.05). After treatment with PRP, the expression of TGF-ß protein was significantly increased in the lesional (2.15 ± 0.44) skin of melasma patients.Conclusions: Our study provides the first indication about increased TGF-ß protein expression in skin of melasma patients after PRP treatment. The alterations of TGF-ß protein in skin of melasma patients not only support its roles in the development of this condition but also have some therapeutic ramifications.
Subject(s)
Melanosis/metabolism , Melanosis/therapy , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Skin/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta/biosynthesis , Adult , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the possible correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. The study included sixty infertile males and fifty fertile males as controls. The infertile group was subdivided into the following subgroups: thirty males with varicocele and thirty males without varicocele. All subjects underwent medical history collection, clinical examination, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment, mTOR gene expression assessment and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasound. The mean mTOR gene expression in infertile patients with varicocele (23.52 ± 14.65) was significantly higher than that in infertile patients without varicocele (12.24 ± 12.44) and fertile control subjects (3.92 ± 3.26; p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively). In the infertile varicocele-positive group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with sperm count (p = 0.028, r = -0.400) and progressive sperm motility (p = 0.038, r = -0.381), as well as a significant positive correlation with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI; p = 0.001, r = 0.578). In the infertile varicocele-negative group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with progressive sperm motility (p = 0.018, r = -0.429) and a significant positive correlation with sperm DFI (p < 0.001, r = 0.673). In conclusion, according to these results, there is a significant positive correlation between mTOR gene expression and sperm DFI among infertile patients with and without varicocele.
Subject(s)
DNA Fragmentation , Infertility, Male/pathology , Spermatozoa/pathology , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Varicocele/pathology , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Humans , Infertility, Male/etiology , Male , Scrotum/blood supply , Scrotum/diagnostic imaging , Semen Analysis , Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color , Varicocele/complications , Varicocele/diagnosis , Young AdultABSTRACT
Background: Melasma is a cosmetically disfiguring disorder of facial pigmentation. Objectives: We evaluated the value of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of melasma using two different delivery techniques: microneedling using dermapen versus microinjections using mesoneedles. Patients and methods: Twenty-three adult Egyptian melasma patients were enrolled. Wood's light was used to determine the histological type of melasma. Autologous PRP was delivered into the lesional melasma skins through microneedling with dermapen on the right side of the face and intradermal microinjections using mesoneedles on the left side of the face (for each patient). The treatment was done regularly (three sessions, each month). The response to PRP therapy was measured using melasma area and severity index (MASI) and modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) that were calculated before and after three treatment sessions. Hemi-MASI was used to compare the effectiveness of the two delivery techniques. Results: Following PRP treatment, MASI and mMASI scores decreased significantly from 11.86 ± 5.25 to 6.96 ± 4.82, and from 5.71 ± 2.56 to 2.90 ± 2.05, respectively (p < .000,). A statistically significant decrease was noted in the hemi-MASI score on each side of the face following PRP treatment (p < .000), but there was no significant difference in comparing both sides. Conclusions: Our study provides the first indication about the value of PRP as a useful and new therapeutic option in melasma. Moreover, our study was the first to compare PRP delivery through microneedling versus microinjections.
Subject(s)
Melanosis/therapy , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Microinjections , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in semen parameters, gonadotropic and sex hormones, and serum leptin in obese fertile and infertile oligozoospermic men. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Forty-two obese fertile and 80 obese infertile oligozoospermic men (body mass index [BMI] >30). INTERVENTION(S): The BMI calculation, semen analysis, and serum FSH, LH, T, E(2), PRL, and leptin estimation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen and hormonal profiles. RESULT(S): Obese oligozoospermic patients had significant increase in mean BMI, serum FSH, LH, E(2), PRL, and leptin compared with obese fertile controls. The BMI had significant positive correlation with abnormal sperm morphology, LH, serum leptin and significant negative correlation with sperm concentration, sperm motility, serum T. Serum leptin demonstrated significant positive correlation with patients' age, abnormal sperm morphology, serum FSH, LH, PRL and significant negative correlation with sperm concentration, sperm motility, and serum T. CONCLUSION(S): Serum leptin mediates a link between obesity and male infertility.
Subject(s)
Hormones/blood , Obesity/blood , Oligospermia/blood , Oligospermia/pathology , Spermatozoa/pathology , Adult , Body Mass Index , Estradiol/blood , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Humans , Leptin/blood , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Male , Obesity/complications , Oligospermia/complications , Prolactin/blood , Prospective Studies , Sperm Motility , Testosterone/bloodABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ages, and both sexes. Helicobacter pylori has been associated with certain extra-digestive dermatological conditions, including chronic urticaria, rosacea, Schönlein-Henoch purpura, Sweet syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The causal relation between alopecia areata and H. pylori is discussed. We have screened for the presence of H. pylori in patients with AA in order to determine any potential role in its pathophysiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have prospectively studied 31 patients with AA and 24 healthy volunteers of similar gender for the presence of H. pylori surface antigen (HpSag) in stool. RESULTS: Optical density values for H. pylori infection were positive in 18 of all 31 patients evaluated (58.1%), while in 13 patients, values did not support H. pylori infection (41.9%). While in the control group, 10 of 24 (41.7%) had positive results. Within the group of AA, there was no significant difference between HpSag-positive and HpSag-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the relation between H. pylori and AA is not supported. We advise that H. pylori detection should not be included in the laboratory workup of AA.
Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata/diagnosis , Alopecia Areata/epidemiology , Helicobacter Infections/diagnosis , Helicobacter Infections/epidemiology , Helicobacter pylori/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Case-Control Studies , Chi-Square Distribution , Comorbidity , Confidence Intervals , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Distribution , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease. Although neither life threatening nor physically debilitating, acne can severely affect social and psychologic functioning. Aim To study the overall impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life and psychologic functioning of patients in Egypt. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with acne vulgaris and 50 healthy controls were evaluated. Acne patients were evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory - Adult Version (CFSEI-AD), and Symptom Check List-90 - Revised (SCL-90-R). The controls were evaluated using SCL-90-R and CFSEI-AD. RESULTS: The mean DLQI scores of male acne patients were found to be higher than those of female patients with regard to symptoms and feelings, daily activities, personal relationships, and treatment; however, the differences were significant for leisure (P = 0.005) and total score (P = 0.022) only. The CFSEI-AD score of patients was significantly lower than that of controls (P = 0.001). Acne patients had significantly higher scores than controls in all items of the SCL-90-R. Significant positive correlations were found between the duration and severity of illness and DLQI and SCL-90-R scores. There was a significant negative correlation between the duration and severity of acne and CFSEI-AD scores. CONCLUSION: Acne vulgaris has a significant effect on the quality of life. Our results highlight the importance of recognizing psychiatric comorbidity in acne patients.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris/psychology , Quality of Life , Acne Vulgaris/pathology , Adult , Egypt , Female , Humans , Male , Psychometrics , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Warts are common problems affecting adults and children. Multiple treatment options are available, but no single therapy stands out as uniformly effective. Propolis and Echinacea are relatively safe immunomodulators with antiviral properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Propolis and Echinacea in treating different types of warts. In a single-blind, randomized, 3-months trial, 135 patients with different types of warts received oral Propolis, Echinacea, or placebo. In patients with plane and common warts treated with Propolis, cure was achieved in 75% and 73% of patients, respectively. These results were significantly better than those associated with Echinacea treatment or placebo. We conclude that Propolis is an effective and safe immunomodulating therapy for plane and common warts.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Apitherapy/methods , Propolis/therapeutic use , Warts/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Echinacea , Female , Humans , Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Male , Placebos , Plant Preparations/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is considered to be one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is currently unclear whether chlamydial infection causes pathological conditions of the male accessory glands has consequences for male infertility. To determine the frequency of C. trachomatis Infection among infertile men with leukocytospermia using different diagnostic techniques such as the detection of secretory IgA antibodies (Abs) in seminal plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), plasmid DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct detection of elementary body by flowcytometric analysis in seminal fluid. To assess the relationship between C. trachomatis infection and semen quality hence male infertility. Seventy five infertile male patients with leukocytospermia and 25 apparently healthy age matched fertile men were included as controls. Routine semen analysis and LeucoScreen test were done for each patient and control. Detection of C. trachomatis secretory IgA in seminal plasma by ELISA and detection of plasmid DNA by PCR and elementary body by flowcytometric analysis in semen samples were performed. Primary and secondary infertility were detected in 55 (73.3%) and 20 (26.7%) of patients, respectively. Sperm concentration and sperm motility (A+B) were statistically significant lower in patients with leucocytospermia than control group (P < 0.0001). Sperm concentration in patients with pus cells more than 3 x 10(6)/ml was statistically significant lower than those with pus cells less than 2 x 10(6) /ml. ELISA-detected IgA Abs against C. trachomatis in patients seminal plasma were positive in 20 (26.7%) and equivocal in 5 (6.6%) patients. Flowcytometric analysis of semen sample for C. trachomatis was positive in 35 (46.6%) patients and C. trachomatis plasmid DNA detection by PCR was positive in 23 (30.7%) patients. In conclusions, Detection of C. trachomatis antibodies of IgA type by ELISA in seminal plasma appears to be as specific as PCR in diagnosis of C. trachomatis in seminal fluid. High detection rate of C. trachomatis by flowcytometry was observed. Concerning the effect of C. trachomatis on routine semen characteristics, no significant obvious changes could be detected. Further studies for the assessment of sperm viability and DNA integrity are recommended.
Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/immunology , Chlamydia trachomatis/immunology , Infertility, Male/immunology , Semen/immunology , Sperm Count , Sperm Motility/immunology , Adult , Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology , Antibodies, Bacterial/metabolism , Chlamydia Infections/metabolism , Chlamydia Infections/microbiology , DNA, Bacterial/metabolism , Flow Cytometry/methods , Humans , Immunoglobulin A/immunology , Immunoglobulin A/metabolism , Infertility, Male/metabolism , Infertility, Male/microbiology , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Semen/metabolism , Semen/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few epidemiological surveys have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in the population of Egypt, particularly "Upper Egypt". So it is a pressing necessity to conduct such a study in rural Assiut. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of various skin diseases in rural Assiut. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based survey was followed. The survey included 8008 rural inhabitants of all ages and both sexes from a representative of three villages of Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. The data were collected through personal interview and examination at homes from December 1994 to December 1996. RESULTS: They showed that 6961 (86.93%) of the studied population had one or more skin diseases. The group with parasitic skin infestations had the highest prevalence rate (27.40%) of the total sample, of which pediculosis capitis (19.37%) was the commonest. Eczema/dermatitis group had a rate of 19.82%, with pityriasis alba forming the majority (13.49%). Pigmentary disorders were 17.68%, followed by fungal skin infections (16.17%), then naevoid disorders (16.10%), hair and scalp disorders (12.07%), bacterial skin infections (10.10%), sweat gland disorders (6.16%), acne vulgaris (5.37%). Leprosy constituted 1.6/10,000. Other various skin disorders were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Infective-parasitic diseases were a major problem particularly among the younger age-group and those of low socio-economic status.