Epidemiological profile of rosacea in dermatology outpatient clinics in Brazil: an observational report from the Brazilian study group on rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea prevalence varies worldwide and there is a lack of information in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological profile of rosacea in subjects who consulted in dermatological outpatient clinics in Brazil. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 dermatological outpatient clinics across the country. Patients with rosacea diagnosis were eligible for the study according to the investigator's clinical assessment. Clinical, social and demographic data were collected. The overall and regional rosacea prevalence was calculated, and association with baseline characteristics was analysed. RESULTS: A total of 3,184 subjects were enrolled, and rosacea prevalence was 12.7%. The southern region of Brazil presented a higher prevalence, followed by the southeast. The subjects in the rosacea group were older than those without rosacea (52.5 ±14.9 vs. 47.5 ±17.5; p<0.001). Moreover, the rosacea group was associated with Fitzpatrick's phototypes I and II, Caucasian ethnicity, a family history of rosacea, and facial erythema, however, no association with gender was found. The most prevalent clinical sign and clinical subtype in rosacea patients were erythema and erythematotelangiectatic, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rosacea is highly prevalent in Brazil, mostly in the southern region, associated with phototypes I and II and a family history.

Small-fibre neuropathy in leprosy the role of in vivo confocal microscopy: A cross-sectional study.

Background Leprosy (or Hansen's disease) continues to present considerable challenges regarding containment and early diagnosis. Leprosy is considered to be primarily a neural disease that first affects the sensory function of small fibres. Although the condition is well described in terms of clinical manifestations and histology, few studies have been undertaken to detect damage done to small-fibre sensory nerves. In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful tool for conducting a detailed evaluation of these structures, although its use in individuals affected by leprosy has still not been explored. Objective To evaluate in vivo confocal microscopy findings in Hansen's disease patients and their association with clinical variables relating to this disease. Method A cross-sectional case-series type study was carried out between October 2019 and May 2021, in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Socio-demographic and clinical data were gathered from 21 patients with leprosy. The douleur neuropathique 4 neuropathic pain questionnaire was used to evaluate pain. In vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea was employed to evaluate the small-calibre fibres. Findings were compared with those for a control group of 23 healthy individuals. Results In relation to clinical parameters, 90.5% of the patients were classified as "multibacillary" according to the World Health Organization criteria, and 70% as dimorphic or borderline, in accordance with the Madrid classification. Around 52.4% had received a diagnosis after one year or less of living with the disease, while 95.2% presented alterations in small-fibre sensory function and 35% presented such alterations in the large fibre. Neuropathic pain was present in 81% of the patients. In vivo confocal microscopy found no statistically significant difference in mean age and distribution according to sex between the Hansen disease patients and the control group of healthy individuals. The median-of-means for dendritic cells and volume of sub-basal nerve fibres in the control group were used to test for normality. Both eyes of all leprosy patients examined contained higher number of dendritic cells than the median value and a volume of sub-basal nerve fibres lower than the mean. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multibacillary individuals had a median number of dendritic cells two times that of paucibacillary individuals (P = 0.035). Limitations No association was found between the variables examined using in vivo confocal microscopy and clinical variables relating to small-fibre damage, the neuropathic pain questionnaire or alterations detected by the neurological examination. We believe, however, that Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry of the cornea may have revealed such an association. Conclusion In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful diagnostic tool for detecting small fibre loss in individuals affected by leprosy and may constitute a useful addition to the range of tools available to help curb the effects of neuropathy in these patients.

Evaluation of clinical adverse effects and laboratory alterations in patients with acne vulgaris treated with oral isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin therapy has completely changed the treatment of acne. The clinical adverse effects of isotretinoin are classified into two groups: mucocutaneous and systemic toxic. Laboratory alterations such as dyslipidemia and increase of hepatic enzymes are reported. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the tolerability of oral isotretinoin with special attention to lipid metabolism, hepatic function, and clinical adverse reactions. METHODS: 150 patients clinically diagnosed with acne being treated with oral isotretinoin were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted before the start of therapy, one month after, and every three months thereafter until the completion of treatment. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients evaluated, 48% were female and 52%, male. They were aged from 15 to 32 years. The most prevalent mucocutaneous adverse reaction associated with isotretinoin therapy was cheilitis, reported by 94% of the patients. Systemic clinical effects were much less common. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and transaminase levels were assessed and significant changes were not observed during treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients showed adverse effects compatible to those described in the literature, which are mostly controlled with symptomatic medication. Isotretinoin is a safe drug and adverse and laboratory effects are well tolerated.

Avaliação dos efeitos adversos clínicos e alterações laboratoriais em pacientes com acne vulgar tratados com isotretinoína oral / Evaluation of clinical adverse effects and laboratory alterations in patients with acne vulgaris treated with oral isotretinoin

FUNDAMENTOS: A isotretinoína oral revolucionou o manejo da acne. Os efeitos adversos observados, durante o tratamento, são divididos em dois grupos: mucocutâneos e sistêmicos. Anormalidades laboratoriais, principalmente, as dislipidemias e aumento das enzimas hepáticas são relatados. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tolerabilidade da isotretinoína oral, com atenção, no metabolismo lipídico, função hepática e reações adversas clínicas. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 150 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de acne submetidos a tratamento com isotretinoína oral. Avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais foram feitas, após um mês e a cada três meses, até completar o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Dos 150 pacientes 48 por cento eram do sexo feminino e 52 por cento do sexo masculino. A idade variou de 15 a 32 anos. Quanto aos efeitos adversos cutâneos e mucosos da isotretinoína, queilite foi o mais frequente, ocorrendo em 94 por cento pacientes. Efeitos clínicos sistêmicos foram bem menos comuns. Os níveis de colesterol, triglicerídeos, transaminases, foram avaliados e não mostraram alterações significativas, ao longo do tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes apresentaram efeitos adversos, compatíveis com os da literatura, e, em sua maioria, controlados com medicações sintomáticas. Podemos concluir que a isotretinoína é uma droga segura, em relação a seus efeitos adversos, tanto clínicos como laboratoriais.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin therapy has completely changed the treatment of acne. The clinical adverse effects of isotretinoin are classified into two groups: mucocutaneous and systemic toxic. Laboratory alterations such as dyslipidemia and increase of hepatic enzymes are reported. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the tolerability of oral isotretinoin with special attention to lipid metabolism, hepatic function, and clinical adverse reactions. METHODS: 150 patients clinically diagnosed with acne being treated with oral isotretinoin were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted before the start of therapy, one month after, and every three months thereafter until the completion of treatment. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients evaluated, 48 percent were female and 52 percent, male. They were aged from 15 to 32 years. The most prevalent mucocutaneous adverse reaction associated with isotretinoin therapy was cheilitis, reported by 94 percent of the patients. Systemic clinical effects were much less common. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and transaminase levels were assessed and significant changes were not observed during treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients showed adverse effects compatible to those described in the literature, which are mostly controlled with symptomatic medication. Isotretinoin is a safe drug and adverse and laboratory effects are well tolerated.

[Splenic tuberculosis during psoriasis treatment with infliximab]. / Tuberculose esplênica durante tratamento de psoríase com infliximabe.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and occasionally the joints. The biological agents have been engineered to target a specific step in the inflammatory cascade that leads to psoriasis, including tumor necrosis factor, which has a central role in the host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is a case report about a psoriatic patient who presented splenic tuberculosis during treatment with infliximab.

Tuberculose esplênica durante tratamento de psoríase com infliximabe / Splenic tuberculosis during psoriasis treatment with infliximab

A psoríase é doença crônica que afeta a pele e, eventualmente, as articulações. A terapia biológica age bloqueando citocinas inflamatórias implicadas na patogênese da doença, dentre elas o fator de necrose tumoral alfa. Este também tem papel na defesa do hospedeiro contra o Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Relata-se um caso de psoríase com boa resposta ao infliximabe, porém com desenvolvimento de tuberculose esplênica durante o tratamento.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and occasionally the joints. The biological agents have been engineered to target a specific step in the inflammatory cascade that leads to psoriasis, including tumor necrosis factor, which has a central role in the host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is a case report about a psoriatic patient who presented splenic tuberculosis during treatment with infliximab.

Association between leprosy reactions after treatment and bacterial load evaluated using anti PGL-I serology and bacilloscopy.

Leprosy (Hansen's disease, HD) reactions are immune-inflammatory phenomena that occur during the evolution of the disease. Given the current criteria for treatment of the disease, this event is often observed after the patient has been released from treatment (RFT) from multi-drug therapy (MDT). A case-control study was conducted comparing laboratory results of cases of leprosy reactions after RFT from multibacillary MDT (MDT/MB) with a control group to analyze the possible association between posttreatment reactions and bacterial load using the ML Flow serological test for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium leprae and the results of bacilloscopic skin smears. The study was conducted in two reference centers in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, involving 208 patients. The results obtained indicate that posttreatment reaction is statistically associated with bacterial load through positive serology post-RFT. In conclusion, common risk factors exist between relapses and post-RFT reactions.

Associação entre reação hansênica após alta e a carga bacilar avaliada utilizando sorologia anti PGL-I e baciloscopia / Association between leprosy reactions after treatment and bacterial load evaluated using anti PGL-I serology and bacilloscopy

As reações hansênicas são fenômenos imuno inflamatórios que ocorrem durante a evolução da hanseníase. Atualmente com os critérios de finalização de tratamento esta intercorrência pode ser observada após a alta da poliquimioterapia. Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle onde foram comparados, laboratorialmente, os casos de reação hansênica após alta da poliquimioterapia multibacilar (PQT/MB) com o grupo controle para analisar a possível associação entre a reação hansênica após alta e a carga bacilar, utilizando o ML Flow, teste sorológico para detecção de anticorpos contra o Mycobacterium leprae, e os resultados das baciloscopias cutâneas. O estudo foi realizado em dois serviços de referência na cidade de Recife - Pernambuco - Brasil, onde participaram 208 pacientes. Os resultados encontrados indicam que a reação após alta está estatisticamente associada à carga bacilar através da positividade do teste sorológico após alta. Conclui-se que existem fatores de riscos comuns entre a recidiva e a reação após alta.

Leprosy (Hansen's disease, HD) reactions are immune-inflammatory phenomena that occur during the evolution of the disease. Given the current criteria for treatment of the disease, this event is often observed after the patient has been released from treatment (RFT) from multi-drug therapy (MDT). A case-control study was conducted comparing laboratory results of cases of leprosy reactions after RFT from multibacillary MDT (MDT/MB) with a control group to analyze the possible association between posttreatment reactions and bacterial load using the ML Flow serological test for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium leprae and the results of bacilloscopic skin smears. The study was conducted in two reference centers in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, involving 208 patients. The results obtained indicate that posttreatment reaction is statistically associated with bacterial load through positive serology post-RFT. In conclusion, common risk factors exist between relapses and post-RFT reactions.

Síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica: denominação possivelmente aplicável a fenômenos dermatológicos / Systemic inflammatory response syndrome: a denomination possibly applied to dermatological phenomena

A síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica consiste na resposta inflamatória aguda mediada por fatores inflamatórios relacionada a sepse e traumatismos extensos. Paralelamente ao curso crônico de algumas doenças dermatológicas podem ocorrer quadros súbitos de agudização que se manifestam por exacerbação de lesões preexistentes, acompanhada de sinais sistêmicos e alterações laboratoriais. Neste artigo, discutem-se os aspectos etiopatogênicos da Síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica e sua presença em algumas dermatoses.

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome consists of an acute inflammatory response induced by inflammatory factors related to sepsis and extensive injuries. Parallel to the chronic course of some dermatological diseases, acute manifestations, characterized by the exacerbation of pre-existing lesions and the presence of systemic signs and laboratorial changes, may occur. In this article, etiopathogenic aspects of Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and its presence in some dermatoses are discussed.

Retreatment in leprosy: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for retreatment of leprosy patients. METHODS: A case-control study with patients from two reference care units in Recife, northeastern Brazil, in 2003. The case group included retreated patients (N=155) and the control group comprised those patients who were not retreated (N=155) matched by year of diagnosis and health care unit. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test the associations and odds ratios and related 95 percent confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: The following factors were found to be significantly associated (p<0.05) with retreatment: occurrence of adverse immunological reactions after treatment completion (OR=2.3; 95 percent CI=1.18;4.83), final bacterial index > 1 (OR=6.43; 95 percent CI=1.67;24.74), therapeutic regimen consisting of sulfone monotherapy (OR=10; 95 percent CI=0.01;0.78) and reports of household contacts (OR=2.2; 95 percent CI=0.24;0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings reinforce that the use of dapsone monotherapy should be discontinued, and highlight the need for epidemiological monitoring of specific groups of leprosy patients after treatment completion through periodical clinical and laboratory evaluation. Further studies to explore the association between final bacterial index and retreatment are strongly recommended.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores de risco para retratamento da hanseníase. MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle com pacientes de duas unidades de referência para tratamento da hanseníase, em Recife, Pernambuco, no de 2003. O grupo de casos incluiu pacientes retratados (N=155) e foi comparado com o grupo controle (N=155), pacientes não retratados pareados por ano-diagnóstico e unidade de saúde. Para testar as associações foram realizadas análises uni e multivariadas, e calculados odds ratios com respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95 por cento. RESULTADOS: Os seguintes fatores apresentaram associação estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) com retratamento: reação hansênica após tratamento (OR=2,3; IC 95 por cento:1,18;4,83); índice baciloscópico final > 1 (OR=6,43; IC 95 por cento:1,67;24,74); tratamento com a monoterapia sulfônica (OR=10; IC 95 por cento: 0,01;0,78); relato de contato intradomiciliar com portadores de hanseníase (OR=2,2; IC 95 por cento:0,24;0,85). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados reforçam o desuso da monoterapia sulfônica e apontam a necessidade de se monitorizar grupos específicos de pacientes após alta terapêutica, através do acompanhamento clínico e laboratorial periódico. Recomenda-se a realização de novos estudos para explorar a associação entre o índice baciloscópico final e retratamento.

Retreatment in leprosy: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for retreatment of leprosy patients. METHODS: A case-control study with patients from two reference care units in Recife, northeastern Brazil, in 2003. The case group included retreated patients (N=155) and the control group comprised those patients who were not retreated (N=155) matched by year of diagnosis and health care unit. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test the associations and odds ratios and related 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: The following factors were found to be significantly associated (p<0.05) with retreatment: occurrence of adverse immunological reactions after treatment completion (OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.18;4.83), final bacterial index > or = 1 (OR=6.43; 95% CI=1.67;24.74), therapeutic regimen consisting of sulfone monotherapy (OR=10; 95% CI=0.01;0.78) and reports of household contacts (OR=2.2; 95% CI=0.24;0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings reinforce that the use of dapsone monotherapy should be discontinued, and highlight the need for epidemiological monitoring of specific groups of leprosy patients after treatment completion through periodical clinical and laboratory evaluation. Further studies to explore the association between final bacterial index and retreatment are strongly recommended.

Percepção da doença e automedicação em pacientes com escabiose / Disease perception and self medication in patients with scabies

FUNDAMENTOS: A situação de alta prevalência da escabiose, associada ao baixo grau de autodiagnóstico e à estigmatização dos parasitados, contribui para a automedicação. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a percepção dos pacientes com escabiose em relação à doença, às possibilidades diagnósticas consideradas, à automedicação realizada e os sentimentos diante do conhecimento do diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Em estudo prospectivo de série de casos, foram entrevistados 65 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de escabiose atendidos no ambulatório de Dermatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, em Recife, Brasil. RESULTADOS: Apenas 47,7% deles acreditavam que seus sintomas fossem devidos à escabiose, e 86% achavam que esses poderiam ser devidos a outras enfermidades, como infecções, picada de insetos e alergia a contactantes. Como automedicação, observada em 55,4% dos pacientes, os produtos mais utilizados foram os sabões e as plantas. O diagnóstico da escabiose levou a sentimentos negativos em 56,7% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo evidenciou ser baixo o grau de suspeição de escabiose entre os infestados. A automedicação foi utilizada em mais da metade dos pacientes, geralmente com produtos inadequados para o tratamento da parasitose. É freqüente o diagnóstico da escabiose levar a sentimentos negativos, indicando a importância da atenção integral ao paciente.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of scabies associated with low rate of self-diagnosis and stigmatization of infested people contribute to self medication. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain perception of patients with scabies, regarding the condition, diagnostic possibilities considered, practice of self medication and their feelings when diagnosis is made. METHODS: In a prospective study of cases, 65 patients seen at the Dermatology Outpatients Clinic of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, in Recife, Brazil, with clinical diagnosis of scabies were interviewed. RESULTS: Only 47.7% believed that their symptoms were due to scabies, and 86% thought that they could be related to other diseases, such as infections, insect bites and allergy to contactants. Self medication was observed in 55.4% of patients, and the products mostly used were soaps and herbs. The diagnosis of scabies led to negative feelings in 56.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a low degree of suspicion of scabies among the people infested. Self medication was used in over half the cases, usually with improper products to treat the parasitosis. The diagnosis of scabies often leads to negative feelings, indicating the need of integral care of patients.

Avaliação laboratorial dos efeitos colaterais pelo uso da acitretina em crianças portadoras de ictiose lamelar: seguimento por um ano / Evaluation of the side effects of acitretin on children with ichthyosis: a one-year study

FUNDAMENTOS: Os retinóides orais representam uma das principais terapêuticas dermatológicas nas últimas décadas e têm sido indispensáveis para o tratamento das desordens de queratinização, particularmente a psoríase, ictioses e acne.¹ OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a tolerabilidade da acitetrina com atenção para os efeitos no metabolismo lipídico, função hepática e no sistema osteoarticular em crianças portadoras de ictiose lamelar. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de 10 crianças portadoras de ictiose lamelar avaliadas clínica e laboratorialmente pelo período de um ano. Cada paciente foi inicialmente tratado com 10mg.dia ou aproximadamente 0,5mg.kg-1.dia. As doses foram ajustadas de acordo com a eficácia clínica e mantidas por um ano. RESULTADOS: Das 10 crianças estudadas, todas evoluíram com alguma resposta clínica satisfatória ao final de um ano de acompanhamento. Não foram observadas alterações nas transaminases e nos lipídeos séricos, e, das seis crianças em que foi estudada a idade óssea, apenas uma apresentou alteração. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da acitretina, quando administrada em doses adequadas e pelo período de um ano, é seguro e eficaz, sendo justificada sua utilização pelos benefícios dessa medicação e tendo em vista a insignificância das alterações laboratoriais apresentadas no estudo em questão.

Case for diagnosis

Paciente de 18 anos, sexo masculino, melanodérmico, estudante, natural e procedente de Recife,m com história de aparecimento de pequeno ferimento nasal que foi aumentando progressivamento associado a edema no olho direito e lábio superior direito, além de episódios febris esporádicos e perda de peso (aproximadamente 10 quilos/mês) , sendo internado para investigação diagnóstica

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberante e líquen plano: relato de um caso / Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and lichen planus: a case report

Relato de caso referente a líquen plano e dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante. É importante ressaltar a não associação e a ocorrência excepcional do desenvolvimento de neoplasias em lesões de líquen plano. Os autores apresentam um caso de dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante e líquen plano variante hipertrófico num mesmo paciente, tratado por cirugia radical