Alexithymia in different dermatologic patients.

Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in differentiating and describing feelings. Research indicates that alexithymia can be considered as a possible risk factor for a variety of medical conditions. The purpose of our study was to compare and assess the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo and acne vulgaris. 120 consecutive subjects referred to dermatologic clinic with psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo and acne vulgaris and 30 subjects selected from hospital staff and relatives of patients were enrolled in patient and control groups of our study respectively. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to assess the prevalence of alexithymia. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the vitiligo, alopecia areata, psoriasis patients and the control group in terms of alexithymia score (p≤0.05), but did not find any significant difference between acne patients and control group (p=0.06). This study has demonstrated high score of alexithymia in patients with psoriasis, alopecia areata and vitiligo compared with control group; however, such association was not found in individuals with acne vulgaris. Hence it is proposed that the evaluation and management of alexithymia would better the treatment of skin disorders and improve the quality of life in patients.

Treatment of an Early Kaposi's Sarcoma Case Post Kidney Transplantation by Sirolimus: A Case Report.

Kaposiá¾½s sarcoma (KS) can develop in 0.06% to 4.1% of kidney transplant recipients. Here we describe a case of 50-year-old man who developed KS a few months after kidney transplantation. After transplantation, he had delayed graft function and was managed by anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) for five days. At the discharge, his immunosuppressive therapy was prednisolone 20 mg/day, tTacrolimus (Pprograf®) 4 mg/day, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 2 gr/day, while he also took Vvalcyte and diltiazem. Once diagnosed with KS, the Prograf® (tacrolimus)  was replaced by prednisolone (5 mg/day) and sirolimus (2 mg/day). Gradually the skin nodule on the patient arm disappeared, and the others nodule on the right his leg was decreased. It seems that the examination of skin should be a part of regular follow-up and dermatologist examination is recommended every 6 months.

Evaluating the effect of insulin sensitizers metformin and pioglitazone alone and in combination on women with polycystic ovary syndrome: An RCT.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may play a role in pathogenesis of PCOS. One of the common therapeutic methods is using insulin-sensitizing drugs such as metformin and thiazolidinediones. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine the effect of metformin and pioglitazone on clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty four women randomly received one of the following for 3 months: metformin (n=28) (500 mg three times a day), pioglitazone (30 mg daily) (n=28) and combination of both metformin and pioglitazone (n=28) (30 mg/day pioglitazone plus 500 mg metformin three times a day). Hormonal profile, fasting serum insulin, body weight, body mass index, menstrual status and waist to hip ratio were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Metformin and pioglitazone and combination therapy induced favorable changes in fasting serum insulin, HOMA-IR index, QUICKI, fasting glucose to insulin ratio in women with PCOS. Body weight, BMI, and waist to hip ratio increased significantly after treatment with pioglitazone but the data were similar after administration of metformin or combination therapy. Total testosterone level decreased significantly only after treatment with metformin. After 3 months in patients who received pioglitazone or combination therapy, menstrual cycles became regular in 71.4% and 73.9% respectively. While menstrual improvement happened only in 36.4% of the patients treated with metformin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that insulin-sensitizing drugs induce beneficial effect in insulin resistance and menstrual cyclicity but only metformin ameliorated hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS. Treatment with combination of metformin and pioglitazone did not show more benefit than monotherapy with each drug alone.

Evaluation of patients' education on foot self-care status in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Skin problems caused by neuropathy and antipathy are common manifestations of diabetes. The most serious about such problem is the diabetic foot, which may lead to eventual ulceration and amputation, and will decrease a patient's quality of life dramatically. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the level of foot self-care and foot conditions in diabetic patients, and to demonstrate the role of self-care education in diabetic foot care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 diabetic patients were included in the study, all of whom had referred to "Yazd Diabetic Research Center." The levels of their foot self-care were recorded in pre-test questionnaires, and then all of the patients were visited and educated by a Dermatologist for their foot self-care on a monthly basis, after which their post-test results were recorded through a second administration of the same questionnaire. Eventually, data from the pre and post-test questionnaires were analyzed to identify the possible effects of education. RESULTS: A total of 80 diabetic patients (34 males, 46 females) with a mean average age of 53.53 ± 10.19 and mean average duration of diabetes 12.42 ± 6.73 years were assessed. A significant increase in foot self-care through education was observed (baseline 27.06 ± 8.77, vs. post education 43.12 ± 8.77; P = 0.0001). After education, foot and nail lesions improved completely in 84% and 62.8%. Moreover, 77.8% of patients had suitable shoes and 79.6% had suitable socks. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that foot self-care education could improve knowledge and performance of patients about various foot problems, and was significantly important in preventing ulcers.