Keep it simple. A ten-year experience in reconstructions after Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery is worldwide used for treating skin cancers. After obtaining tumor-free margins, choosing the most appropriate type of closure can be challenging. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to associate type of surgical reconstructions after Mohs micrographic surgery with the characteristics of the tumors as histological subtype, anatomical localization and especially number of surgical stages to achieve complete excision of the tumour. METHODS: Transversal, retrospective analyses of medical records. Compilation of data such as gender, age, tumor location, histological subtype, number of stages to achieve clear margins and type of repair used. RESULTS: A total of 975 of facial and extra-facial cases were analyzed. Linear closure was the most common repair by far (39%) and was associated with the smallest number of Mohs micrographic surgery stages. This type of closure was also more common in most histological subtypes and anatomical locations studied. Using Poisson regression model, nose defects presented 39% higher frequency of other closure types than the frequency of primary repairs, when compared to defects in other anatomic sites (p < 0.05). Tumors with two or more stages had a 28.6% higher frequency of other closure types than those operated in a single stage (p < 0.05). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study with limitations in obtaining information from medical records. The choice of closure type can be a personal choice. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure should not be forgotten especially in surgical defects with fewer stages and in non-aggressive histological subtypes in main anatomic sites where Mohs micrographic surgery is performed.

Clinical variability of the GJB4:c.35G > A gene variant: a study of a large Brazilian erythrokeratodermia pedigree.

BACKGROUND: Erythrokeratodermas are a heterogeneous group of keratinization disorders. They are inherited in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern. Erythrokeratoderma variabilis et progressive (EKVP) is a disorder caused by variations in genes that codify connexins (GJA1, GJB3, GJB4). The distinction between different phenotypes is not always simple. Age of presentation varies from birth to adulthood; stationary or migratory erythematous plaques associated with nonmigratory hyperkeratosis are characteristic of this disorder. Nails, hair, and teeth are not affected. METHODS: In order to describe the clinical phenotypes and molecular findings in a large Brazilian pedigree affected by erythrokeratoderma, we performed a clinical evaluation of four patients with different presentations of erythrokeratoderma from the same family, in which there are 35 affected members distributed in six generations. Genomic DNA evaluation by Sanger sequencing of GJB3 and GJB4 was performed in two affected family members with different phenotypes. RESULTS: Clinical heterogeneity in affected patients was remarkable. In patients investigated with genetic testing, a heterozygous pathogenic gene variant in the GJB4 (gap junction protein beta-4) gene was found positive for GJB4:c.35G>A (rsrs80358211). One patient also presented a synonymous variant in GJB3:c.357C>T (rs41310442). CONCLUSION: Variants in GJB4 are classically associated with Erythrokeratodermia variabilis, but there is remarkable clinical heterogeneity. Our observation that the same variant caused different phenotypes within the same family corroborates clinical heterogeneity and suggests that other genes that compose the genetic background exert some influence on the disease phenotype.

Necrose cutânea do tecido enxertado decorrente de tabagismo / Necrosis of skin graft entailed by smoking habits

A cicatrização adequada das feridas cirúrgicas é influenciada pela técnica operatória, pela presença de intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas e pelos hábitos de vida do paciente. Relatamos caso de paciente submetido a exérese de carcinoma basocelular por cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs e reconstrução com enxertia cutânea palpebral. No pós-operatório houve necrose do enxerto devido má perfusão do leito cirúrgico imputada ao tabagismo. O tabagismo interfere na embebição plasmática e neovascularização do enxerto, além de promover estresse oxidativo e disfunção endotelial. O cirurgião deve orientar a suspensão do tabagismo por pelo menos quatro semanas antes do procedimento, a fim de evitar maiores riscos de complicações.

Adequate healing of surgical wounds is influenced by the operative technique, the presence of postoperative complications, and the patient's life style. The authors of the present paper report the case of a patient who underwent excision of a basal cell carcinoma by Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction with palpebral skin grafting. The graft necrosed in the postoperative period due to poor perfusion of the surgical bed, correlated to smoking habits. Smoking interferes with plasma perfusion and graft neovascularization, and promotes oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Surgeons should recommend the cessation of smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to the procedure in order to avoid further risks of complications.

Correlation between the histopathology of chronic urticaria and its clinical picture

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is characterized by transient, pruritic lesions of varying sizes, with central pallor and well-defined edges, with disease duration longer than six weeks. Its cellular infiltrate consists of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. There is a subgroup of patients with eosinophilic or neutrophilic urticaria, resistant to the treatment with antihistamines, but that respond to a combination of antihistamine with other drugs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the present infiltration in chronic urticaria biopsies and correlate it with the clinical disease activity and response to treatment. METHODS: Forty-one patients with chronic urticaria were classified according to the score of severity of the disease, response to treatment and type of perivascular infiltrate. Inflammatory infiltrates were divided in eosinophilic (46.30%), neutrophilic and mixed. RESULTS: An association was found between the eosinophilic infiltrate and clinical scores of greater severity (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This association shows that the eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates denote high clinical activity, which means more severe and exuberant clinical pictures of the disease.

Expression of heparanase in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: Background: Heparanase is an enzyme that cleaves heparan sulfate chains. Oligosaccharides generated by heparanase induce tumor progression. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma comprise types of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Objectives: Evaluate the glycosaminoglycans profile and expression of heparanase in two human cell lines established in culture, immortalized skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) and squamous cell carcinoma (A431) and also investigate the expression of heparanase in basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and eyelid skin of individuals not affected by the disease (control). Methods: Glycosaminoglycans were quantified by electrophoresis and indirect ELISA method. The heparanase expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRTPCR). Results: The A431 strain showed significant increase in the sulfated glycosaminoglycans, increased heparanase expression and decreased hyaluronic acid, comparing to the HaCaT lineage. The mRNA expression of heparanase was significantly higher in Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared with control skin samples. It was also observed increased heparanase expression in squamous cell carcinoma compared to the Basal cell carcinoma. Conclusion: The glycosaminoglycans profile, as well as heparanase expression are different between HaCaT and A431 cell lines. The increased expression of heparanase in Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma suggests that this enzyme could be a marker for the diagnosis of such types of non-melanoma cancers, and may be useful as a target molecule for future alternative treatment.

Epidermal curettage technique (ECT) for tissue harvest from the donor area for melanocyte autologous grafting in cases of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a dermatosis requiring complex treatment. In clinically stable cases, melanocyte autologous grafting has shown good results, using different methodologies for obtaining the donor area: dermatomes, punches, blisters. However, these techniques are complex and require specific instruments. This study presents a simple technique for melanocyte harvest that has been performed in our service for more than ten years and includes epidermal curettage of the donor area, grafting of the obtained material, which was homogenized with saline or hyaluronic acid, on the achromic area, and the application of a semipermeable dressing that is removed 1 week later.

Epidermal curettage technique (ECT) for tissue harvest from the donor area for melanocyte autologous grafting in cases of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a dermatosis requiring complex treatment. In clinically stable cases, melanocyte autologous grafting has shown good results, using different methodologies for obtaining the donor area: dermatomes, punches, blisters. However, these techniques are complex and require specific instruments. This study presents a simple technique for melanocyte harvest that has been performed in our service for more than ten years and includes epidermal curettage of the donor area, grafting of the obtained material, which was homogenized with saline or hyaluronic acid, on the achromic area, and the application of a semipermeable dressing that is removed 1 week later.

A study of clinical profiles of vitiligo in different ages: an analysis of 669 outpatients.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by achromic macules (white) on the skin and/or mucous membranes, which affects 0.5-2% of the population. Few publications address a vitiligo epidemiological profile worldwide. In Brazil there are only studies in children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of individuals affected by vitiligo and to evaluate behavior of the disease in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in 669 patients with vitiligo from January 2001 to May 2006, who attended the Faculty of Medicine of ABC, located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: There was a predominance of females (62.2%) and adult age group (62.5%), with higher prevalence peaks between the second and third decades of life (18.3% and 16.9%, respectively). The most frequent phototype in skin was III (49.9%). Lesions began on the face most commonly in children and adolescents (32.6%) and the elderly (23.3%), and on hands in adults (24.0%). There was a higher prevalence of segmental vitiligo in children and adolescents (36.4%), compared with adults (11.3%) and the elderly (6.7%), and vitiligo with stable evolution was proportionately more frequent in childhood and adolescents (46.2%) than in adults (32.5%) and elderly (36.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are similar to other countries, mainly regarding the higher prevalence of segmental vitiligo and vitiligo with stable development among children and adolescents.

Reação reversa macular da hanseníase: relato de caso / Macular reversal reaction in leprosy: a case report

A reação reversa maculosa consiste no aparecimento abrupto de máculas hipocrômicas, ocorrendo em pacientes hansenianos dimorfos que completaram o tratamento com poliquimioterapia para hanseníase multibacilar. Em geral, surgem entre 6 a 12 meses da alta, com baciloscopia negativa e boa resposta a corticoterapia sistêmica. Ressaltamos a dificuldade em diferenciar recidiva de um episódio reacional, já que não existem critérios clínicos bem estabelecidos que possibilitem este diagnóstico, além de existirem poucos relatos em literatura. Relatamos um caso clínico com diagnóstico de reação reversa macular após período variável de alta do tratamento de hanseniase dimorfa-dimorfa. Foi feita investigação por meio de anamnese rigorosa, exame dermatológico, exame histopatológico da lesão e baciloscopia, excluindo-se os critérios de recidiva, além de analisados dados anteriores do prontuário.O paciente foi submetido a corticoterapia sistêmica,apresentando melhora das lesões. Conclui-seque a reação reversa maculosa deve ser lembrada nos diagnósticos diferenciais com hanseníase recidivada e episódios reacionais clássicos, evitando retratamentos desnecessários.

Macular reversal reaction is the abrupt onset of hypochromic lesions, occurring in borderline leprosy patients who completed treatment with multidrugtherapy for multibacillary leprosy. In general, these reactions appear 6 to 12 months after medical discharge, showing negative skin smear and good response to systemic corticosteroid therapy. We emphasize the difficulty in differentiating relapse cases from leprosy reactions, as there are no well-established clinical criteria that allow this diagnosis, and moreover there are few reports about it in the literature. We report a borderline leprosy case diagnosed with macular reversal reaction after variable period of discharge from treatment. Detailed anamnesis, dermatological and histopathological examination and bacilloscopy, analysis of previous medical records, excluding the relapse criteria, were used for the investigation. The patient was submitted to systemic corticosteroid therapy, with improvement of the lesions. It is concluded that macular reversal reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of relapsed leprosy and classic reactional episodes, avoiding unnecessary retreatment.

Ácido Poli-L-Láctico: um agente bioestimulador / Poly-L-lactic acid: a biostimulating agent

O ácido poli-L-láctico (PLLA) é polímero biocompatível, reabsorvível, imunologicamente inerte, que induz a neocolagênese através de resposta inflamatória subclínica, indicado para restauração do volume facial associado à lipoatrofia facial em pacientes imunocompetentes ou com imunodeficiência pelo vírus HIV, além das indicações cosméticas em áreas extrafaciais. Há mais de três décadas vem sendo usado em dispositivos médicos como placas, parafusos, implantes intraósseos, de tecidos moles, como vetor biodegradável para medicamentos, em fios de sutura e stents. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão da literatura sobre indicações ao uso do PLLA, seu modo de aplicação e suas possíveis complicações.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, re-absorbable, immunologically inert polymer that induces neocollagenesis through a subclinical inflammatory response. It is indicated for restoration of facial volume associated with facial lipoatrophy in immunocompetent or HIV-immunodeficient patients. In addition there are cosmetic indications for extra facial areas. For more than three decades it has been used in medical devices such as plates, screws, intraosseous and soft tissue implants, and as a biodegradable vector for drugs, in sutures and stents. The present article is aimed at presenting a literature review on the indications, application method, and complications of the use of PLLA.

Action of topical mometasone on the pigmented halos of micrografting in patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder worldwide. The treatments available still offer limited results to some patients. For patients with clinically stable vitiligo, melanocyte transplantation is an appropriate treatment option, and the technique of autologous punch grafting shows good repigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of topical mometasone on the halos of repigmentation after autologous punch grafting in patients with clinically stable vitiligo. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, 11 patients with clinically stable vitiligo (7 generalized, 2 focal and 2 segmental) underwent autologous punch grafting in the achromic patches. According to the clinical type of vitiligo, patients were instructed to use the corticosteroid ointment during 6 months, only on a few grafted lesions. In the first month, the mometasone ointment was used twice a day and after that just once. They were reassessed 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Grafted halos were photographed and recorded using the software fotofinder. After 6 months, all the treated and untreated areas of the repigmentation halos were measured and analyzed comparatively. RESULTS: The median area of the repigmentation halos after 6 months of treatment with mometasone was larger (25,96 mm(2)) than the one of the untreated halos (13,86 mm(2)), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0,026). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of mometasone ointment increased the area of the repigmentation halos after punch grafting. However, this should be further investigated in larger samples in order to validate this positive action in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Action of topical mometasone on the pigmented halos of micrografting in patients with vitiligo / Ação da mometasona tópica nos halos pigmentares de microenxertia em vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder worldwide. The treatments available still offer limited results to some patients. For patients with clinically stable vitiligo, melanocyte transplantation is an appropriate treatment option, and the technique of autologous punch grafting shows good repigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of topical mometasone on the halos of repigmentation after autologous punch grafting in patients with clinically stable vitiligo. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, 11 patients with clinically stable vitiligo (7 generalized, 2 focal and 2 segmental) underwent autologous punch grafting in the achromic patches. According to the clinical type of vitiligo, patients were instructed to use the corticosteroid ointment during 6 months, only on a few grafted lesions. In the first month, the mometasone ointment was used twice a day and after that just once. They were reassessed 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Grafted halos were photographed and recorded using the software fotofinder. After 6 months, all the treated and untreated areas of the repigmentation halos were measured and analyzed comparatively. RESULTS: The median area of the repigmentation halos after 6 months of treatment with mometasone was larger (25,96 mm² ) than the one of the untreated halos (13,86 mm² ), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0,026). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of mometasone ointment increased the area of the repigmentation halos after punch grafting. However, this should be further investigated in larger samples in order to validate this positive action in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

FUNDAMENTOS: Vitiligo é um transtorno de pigmentação freqüente na população mundial. Seu tratamento ainda oferece resultados limitados em alguns pacientes. Nos casos de vitiligo estável clinicamente, o transplante de melanócitos tornase uma opção terapêutica, sendo a técnica de enxertos autólogos por punch empregada com boa resposta na repigmentação. OBJETIVOS: Estudar a ação do corticoesteróide tópico mometasona sobre halos de repigmentação após enxertos autólogos por punch em pacientes com vitiligo estável clinicamente. MÉTODOS: Entre 2009 e 2010, 11 pacientes com vitiligo estável (7 do tipo generalizado, 2 focal e 2 segmentar) foram submetidos a enxertos autólogos por punch nas máculas acrômicas. Conforme o tipo clínico do vitiligo, os pacientes eram orientados a aplicar pomada de mometasona por 6 meses em lesões enxertadas selecionadas individualmente. No primeiro mês, a aplicação era 2 vezes ao dia e nos demais, apenas uma vez ao dia. Eram reavaliados nos meses 1, 3 e 6 após enxertos cujos halos eram fotografados e registrados pelo software fotofinder. No fim do 6̊mês, todas as áreas dos halos de repigmentação com e sem mometasona foram mensuradas e analisadas comparativamente. RESULTADOS: A mediana da área dos halos de repigmentação após os 6 meses com mometasona foi superior (25,96 mm² ) comparada àquela sem mometasona (13,86 mm² ), com diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,026). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossa casuística, o uso da mometasona tópica determinou incremento dos halos de repigmentação após enxertia. A amplificação da amostra se faz necessária em estudos posteriores a fim de ratificar esta ação positiva da mometasona no tratamento do vitiligo estável.

Melanoma desmoplástico / Desmoplastic melanoma

Descrito pela primeira vez em 1971 por Conley et al., o melanoma desmoplásico (MD) representa menos de 4% dos melanomas cutâneos. Trata-se de variante distinta e incomum,que se caracteriza por tumor fibroso de células fusiformes liberadoras de colágeno em matriz fibrosa. Seu diagnóstico é propenso a erro, principalmente por sua semelhança com outras neoplasias fibrosas. Em cerca de 600 casos descritos na literatura, observou-se apresentação clínica não pigmentada, profunda e de aspecto fibroso, associada à lesão precursora. Seu reconhecimento é de grande importância devido ao comportamento de caráter recidivante e à consequente necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica distinta.

First described in 1971 by Conley and colleagues, desmoplastic melanomas represent less than 4% of cutaneous melanomas. It is a distinctive and uncommon variant characterized by a spindle cell fibrous tumor of collagen forming cells, isolated by dense fibrous matrix.Desmoplastic melanomas are frequently misdiagnosed, mainly due to their similarity to other fibrous neoplasms. A review of about 600 reported cases unexpectedly revealed the pigmented clinical presentation of a deep and fibrous nodule that is classically associated with a precursor lesion. The ability to recognise this lesion?s characteristics is very important, due to its recurrent behaviour and subsequent need for a specialized surgical approach.

Tumor de células granulosas (tumor de Abrikossoff) vulvar -Relato de caso / Vulvar granular cell tumor (Abrikossoff's tumor) - case report

O tumor de células granulosas foi descrito por Abrikossoff em 1926.Trata-se de neoplasia benigna, incomum, observada mais frequentemente na língua e, em percentual de cinco a 6% dos casos, na vulva. Sua histogênese é incerta, provavelmente ligada às células de Schwann.O tratamento é cirúrgico, com bom prognóstico. Podem ocorrer recidivas, e existem descrições na literatura de malignidade.Os autores relatam caso de paciente com nódulo na vulva com diagnóstico histopatológico de tumor de células granulosas, tratado cirurgicamente com sucesso.

Qualidade de vida em hanseníase: análise comparativa entre pacientes da região Amazônica com pacientes da região do ABC, São Paulo, Brasil / Quality of life in leprosy: a comparative analysis between patients in the Amazon region and patients in Santo André in the ABC region of São Paulo, Brazil

Nesse estudo analisou-se a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com hanseníase, além da comparação de índices de qualidade de vida entre duas realidades sócio-econômicas distintas.O trabalho foi realizado no ambulatório de hanseníase da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC-SP e através de visitas à população ribeirinha do Rio Purus , Estado do Amazonas, utilizando-se o Índice de Qualidade de Vida Dermatológico (IQVD).Observou-se que 76,9 por cento dos pacientes avaliados na Amazônia tinham qualidade de vida comprometida, enquanto 19 por cento em Santo André apresentavam esses resultados.No grupo do Amazonas, quem possuía sequela apresentava qualidade de vida comprometida.

This study analyzed the quality of life of individuals with leprosy and compared quality of life indexes of patients in two different socioeconomic scenarios. The study was conducted at the leprosy clinic of the ABC School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil and during visits to the populations living along the Purus River in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate the patients. Quality of life was found to be impaired in 76.9 percent of the patients evaluated in the Amazon compared to 19 percent of the patients in Santo André. In the group of patients in the Amazon who had sequelae of the disease, quality of life was impaired.

Nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure affects almost all the systems of the body, including the skin and appendages. The nail disorders most commonly found in patients with chronic renal failure are half and half nails, absent lunula and splinter hemorrhages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the spectrum and the frequency of nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure submitted to hemodialysis and compare them with a paired sample from the general population. METHODS: A case-controlled study paired for gender and age was conducted in which nail disorders were investigated in the two groups. RESULTS: At least one nail disorder was found in 86% of the hemodialysis patients and in 75% of subjects in the control group. Absent lunula (62.9%) and half and half nails (14.4%) were more common in the hemodialysis group compared to the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group compared to the hemodialysis group (24.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Absent lunula and half and half nails were the most common nail disorders found in patients on hemodialysis, corroborating the findings of previous studies. Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group and future studies may clarify whether structural abnormalities such as absent lunula may be related to this finding.

Alterações ungueais nos pacientes portadores de insuficiência renal crônica em hemodiálise / Nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

FUNDAMENTOS: A insuficiência renal crônica atinge quase todos os sistemas do organismo, inclusive pele e anexos. As alterações ungueais mais observadas nos pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica são: unhas meio a meio, ausência de lúnula e hemorragia em estilhas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o espectro e a frequência de alterações ungueais nos pacientes com IRC, submetidos à hemodiálise (HD), e compará-los com uma amostra pareada da população geral. MÉTODOS: Realizado um estudo caso- controle, pareado por gênero e idade, onde 2 grupos foram estudados com relação às alterações ungueais presentes. RESULTADOS: 86 por cento dos pacientes em HD e 75 por cento do grupo controle tiveram, pelo menos, uma alteração ungueal.Ausência de lúnula (62,9 por cento) e unha meio a meio (14,4 por cento) as alterações foram estatisticamente relevantes no grupo HD, em relação ao grupo controle (p < 0,05 por cento). Estrias longitudinais foram mais comuns nos controles em relação ao grupo HD (24,1 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Ausência de lúnula e unha meio a meio as alterações ungueais foram mais encontradas nos pacientes em HD, corroborando com achados relatados, em estudos anteriores. Estrias longitudinais foram mais observadas no grupo controle e estudos posteriores poderão elucidar se alterações estruturais, tal qual a ausência de lúnula, poderiam relacionar-se a este achado.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure affects almost all the systems of the body, including the skin and appendages. The nail disorders most commonly found in patients with chronic renal failure are half and half nails, absent lunula and splinter hemorrhages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the spectrum and the frequency of nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure submitted to hemodialysis and compare them with a paired sample from the general population. METHODS: A case-controlled study paired for gender and age was conducted in which nail disorders were investigated in the two groups. RESULTS: At least one nail disorder was found in 86 percent of the hemodialysis patients and in 75 percent of subjects in the control group. Absent lunula (62.9 percent) and half and half nails (14.4 percent) were more common in the hemodialysis group compared to the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group compared to the hemodialysis group (24.1 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Absent lunula and half and half nails were the most common nail disorders found in patients on hemodialysis, corroborating the findings of previous studies. Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group and future studies may clarify whether structural abnormalities such as absent lunula may be related to this finding.

Profilaxia em cirurgia dermatológica / Prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery

Profilaxia cirúrgica é assunto amplamente discutido pelos dermatologistas, inexistindo, entretanto, consenso, tanto nas opiniões quanto nos estudos publicados. Com o objetivo de organizar os dados existentes na literatura e embasar o dermatologista para melhor escolha, foi realizada revisão de trabalhos nas bases de dados do Medline e da Biblioteca Cochrane, levantando artigos sobre profilaxia com antibióticos e antivirais. Com base nesses estudos foram elaboradas recomendações de profilaxia em diversas situações cotidianas do dermatologista, bem como sugestões de medicações profiláticas. O uso crítico da medicina embasada em evidência auxilia o dermatologista a tomar decisões, mas não se deve desconsiderar a experiência do médico nem tampouco subestimar a capacidade individual de análise clínica do paciente.

The theme of surgical prophylaxis is widely discussed by dermatologists; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding both opinions and published studies.A review of papers relating to the use of antibiotics and antivirals in prophylaxis was conducted in order to organize the existing data and provide dermatologists with a better foundation for making decisions.The literature review was performed using Medline and Cochrane Library databases. Recommendations of prophylaxis in several common situations in the dermatologist's daily experience, in addition to suggestions of prophylactic medications, were made based on these studies.The critical and evidence based approach in medicine provides support to the decision making process. Nevertheless, dermatologists should neither dismiss their own clinical experience nor underestimate the physician's individual ability to conduct the clinical analysis of patients.

Quality of life in leprosy: a comparative analysis between patients in the Amazon region and patients in Santo André in the ABC region of São Paulo, Brazil.

This study analyzed the quality of life of individuals with leprosy and compared quality of life indexes of patients in two different socioeconomic scenarios. The study was conducted at the leprosy clinic of the ABC School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil and during visits to the populations living along the Purus River in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate the patients. Quality of life was found to be impaired in 76.9% of the patients evaluated in the Amazon compared to 19% of the patients in Santo André. In the group of patients in the Amazon who had sequelae of the disease, quality of life was impaired.