Factors associated with the discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives in women of Lima, Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Family planning is a right and a tool that offers the possibility of choosing how many children to have. Its importance lies in the possibility of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy and its consequences. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with discontinuing hormonal contraceptives in women of childbearing age who attended the La Libertad Health Center in January 2023. METHODS: The study was observational, analytical, and cross-sectional. A total of 100 women of childbearing age who were users of hormonal contraceptives were included. Descriptive statistics were performed, frequency measurements and measures of central tendency were calculated, bivariate statistics were performed and the prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated, and a robust Poisson regression model was performed to assess the associated independent factors. All calculations were made with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: The educational level (PR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.22-2.48, p=0.006), the distance to the health center (PR=7.32; 95% CI: 1.1-48.5, p=0.001), having presented adverse events (PR=26.38; 95% CI: 3.8-183, p=0.001), and that the health staff had not identified the need for contraception (PR=3.12; 95% CI: 0.87-11.10, p=0.01) were associated with stopping a hormonal contraceptive. After introducing the variables to the regression model, the only independently associated factor was having presented an adverse event with the use of hormonal contraceptives (adjusted prevalence ratio, APR=3.33; 95% CI: 2.1-5.2, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the factors associated with the discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives were education level, distance to the health center, having presented some adverse event with its use, and that health staff had not identified the need for contraception. The only independently associated factor was having presented an adverse event.

Ultrastructural skin alterations of healthy subjects with anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies in endemic areas to pemphigus foliaceus: A case series.

Background: Endemic pemphigus foliaceus and endemic pemphigus vulgaris are autoimmune dermatologic disorders endemic to the Peruvian Amazon. Objective: To determine the ultrastructural skin alterations of three healthy subjects with anti DSG-1 antibodies in areas endemic to pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in the Peruvian Amazon. Patients and methods: Case series carried out from data of three clinically healthy subjects positive to anti DSG-1 antibodies, from Peru. This study consists of a sub-analysis of data gathered in a previous study. Results: Ultrastructural results are presented from the skin biopsies of three clinically healthy patients positive to anti-desmoglein 1 (DSG-1) antibodies. High Resolution Optical Microscopy (HROM) showed the absence of acantholysis. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed the widening of intercellular space between keratinocytes, the presence of vacuoles in intercellular space with granular material and cytoplasmic vacuolization, loss of desmosome structure, loss of normal distribution among tonofilaments and lateral separation among cells in the stratum basale. Conclusion: According to our results, healthy subjects that present anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies can develop ultrastructural alterations that are visible through transmission electron microscopy but not through conventional optical microscopy.

Arsenicism by Chronic Exposure to Mine Tailings in Peru: An Analysis of 17 Cases with Lesions on Skin and/or Annexes.

Objective: To characterize the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of arsenicism from chronic exposure to mine tailings in people with lesions on their skin and/or annexes in two mining districts in the highlands of Peru. Materials and Methods: In this case series study, we included 17 people that presented arsenical lesions in skin and annexes which were identified in two prior studies. We evaluated age, occupation, place of exposure, time of exposure, time of disease, manifestations on skin and annexes, location of lesions, severity, and 24-hour urine clearance of arsenic. Results: The average time of exposure was 16.5 ± 14.7 years, and the average length of disease was 9.8 ± 8.1 years. In this study, 70.6% were men, 41.2% were farmers and 17.6% were underage. The most frequent main manifestations in skin and annexes were plantar keratosis (23.5%), palmar (11.8%), palmoplantar (11.8%) and thoracic keratosis (5.9%). Other manifestations were palmoplantar keratosis with thoracic hyperpigmentation (17.6%), Mees' lines (17.6%) and hyper/hypopigmentation in thorax and back (11.8%). With relation to the severity of lesions, 35.3% were grade 1 (mild), 29.4 % were grade 0 (asymptomatic), 29.4 % were grade 2 (moderate), and 5.9% were grade 3 (severe). The median of 24-hour urine clearance of arsenic was 55 µg/L/24 hours. No cases of skin cancer were presented. Conclusion: The studied cases of arsenicism with lesions on skin and/or annexes by exposure to mine tailings present with differential characteristics in comparison to other forms of arsenicism such as less severity, lower urine clearance of arsenic, and absence of skin cancer cases.

Pregnant woman from southern Peru with rabies infection who delivered a healthy baby.

Rabies in pregnancy is rare with a high mortality. We report a pregnant woman who developed urban rabies from the bite of an infected dog. An emergency Cesarean section was performed at 31 weeks of gestation, and a premature baby was delivered who survived and did not develop rabies. The mother, however, suffered a rapid clinical deterioration and was admitted to intensive care where a Milwaukee protocol was followed. The patient survived 19 months but developed severe neurological sequelae secondary to rabies encephalitis and finally died of respiratory failure.

Conocimientos y actitudes sobre el zika en gestantes del sur de Lima, Perú / Knowledge and attitudes about Zika in pregnant women from the south of Lima, Peru

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: determinar el conocimiento y las actitudes sobre el Zika en gestantes del sur de Lima MÉTODO: Estudio transversal analítico. Se incluyeron gestantes que acudieron al establecimiento de Salud Materno Infantil de Villa María del Triunfo durante octubre del 2017. RESULTADOS: Participaron 97 gestantes, la edad promedio fue de 28,23±7,9. El mayor grupo de edad fue de 16-28 años (54,6%). Al realizar la categorización del nivel de conocimientos, apreciamos que la mayoría tuvo conocimientos buenos sobre la enfermedad (78,4%) y todas tuvieron actitudes positivas. Las gestantes con mayor nivel educativo tuvieron un mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad (p<0,001) CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento y las actitudes de las gestantes sobre el zika, fueron por lo general buenos.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To determine knowledge and attitudes about Zika in pregnant women from southern Lima. METHOD: Cross-sectional analytical study. Pregnant women were included who attended the Maternal and Child Health center in Villa María del Triunfo during October 2017. RESULTS: 97 pregnant women participated, the average age was 28.23 ± 7.9. The largest age group was 16-28 years (54.6%). When categorizing the level of knowledge, we appreciate that most had good knowledge about the disease (78.4%) and all had positive attitudes. Pregnant women with a higher educational level had a better knowledge of the disease (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and attitudes of the pregnant women about Zika were generally good.

Oxidative stress in patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects with anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown oxidative stress in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, nevertheless, it remains unknown whether a similar response is characteristic of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Peru. OBJECTIVES: To determine the oxidative stress response in endemic pemphigus foliaceus patients and subjects with positive for anti-desmoglein1 antibodies (anti-dsg1) from endemic areas of Peru. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included 21 patients with Endemic Pemphigus foliaceus and 12 healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies from the Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali), as well as 30 healthy control subjects. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation by free radicals, was measured in serum. RESULTS: We collected 21 cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, 15 of them with active chronic disease and 6 in clinical remission. Serum malondialdehyde values in patients with chronic active evolution and healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies were statistically higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between serum values of localized and generalized clinical forms. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this present study is the small number of patients with endemic pemphigus and healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The increased serum levels of malondialdehyde in patients with chronic active endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects from endemic areas with anti-dsg1 antibodies may suggest a contribution of systemic lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Oxidative stress in patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects with anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies

Abstract: Background: Previous studies have shown oxidative stress in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, nevertheless, it remains unknown whether a similar response is characteristic of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Peru. Objectives: To determine the oxidative stress response in endemic pemphigus foliaceus patients and subjects with positive for anti-desmoglein1 antibodies (anti-dsg1) from endemic areas of Peru. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included 21 patients with Endemic Pemphigus foliaceus and 12 healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies from the Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali), as well as 30 healthy control subjects. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation by free radicals, was measured in serum. Results: We collected 21 cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, 15 of them with active chronic disease and 6 in clinical remission. Serum malondialdehyde values in patients with chronic active evolution and healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies were statistically higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between serum values of localized and generalized clinical forms. Study limitations: The main limitation of this present study is the small number of patients with endemic pemphigus and healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 antibodies. Conclusions: The increased serum levels of malondialdehyde in patients with chronic active endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects from endemic areas with anti-dsg1 antibodies may suggest a contribution of systemic lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Molecular characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans strains collected from a single institution in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection with a worldwide distribution, mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. AIMS: To molecularly characterize the mating-types, serotypes, genotypes and antifungal susceptibility profiles of a set of retrospectively isolated C. neoformans strains from Lima, Peru. METHODS: A set of 32 Cryptococcus spp. strains from the Institute of Tropical Medicine of the National University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru, were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-four strains were isolated from patients, while the remaining 8 were isolated from the environment. RESULTS: Using conventional PCR, 27 (84.4%) of the isolates were identified as C. neoformans var. grubii mating-type alpha and serotype A. Using the AFLP fingerprinting, it was shown that 16 (50%) of the C. neoformans strains were genotype AFLP1, 13 (40.6%) were genotype AFLP1B, 2 (6.3%) were genotype AFLP2, and 1 (3.1%) was found to be a hybrid between both C. neoformans varieties (genotype AFLP3). The antifungal susceptibility profiles for amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole showed that all the 32 C. neoformans are sensitive to these antifungal compounds. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we observed that C. neoformans var. grubii (AFLP1 and AFLP1B) and C. neoformans var. neoformans (AFLP2) were the only cryptococcal varieties involved. All strains were found to be sensitive to the antifungals tested, results that are consistent with those found in the international literature.

Criptococosis / Cryptococcosis

La criptococosis es una infección micótica de distribución mundial, producida principalmente por el complejo Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii (C. neoformans/C. gattii), ambos se encuentran ampliamente distribuidos en la naturaleza. C. neoformans afecta principalmente a personas inmunocomprometidas y C. gattii a pacientes inmunocompetentes expuestos a al nicho ecológico del hongo. Por lo general la puerta de entrada es por vía respiratoria y posteriormente se disemina a otras regiones del cuerpo, principalmente el sistema nervioso central. El diagnóstico se realiza por observación directa del hongo, estudios histopatológicos, aislamiento en cultivos y la presencia de antígeno capsular. Las manifestaciones cutáneas pueden ser por inoculación primaria a la piel, denominada criptococosis cutánea primaria o por diseminación hematógena como parte de una enfermedad sistémica, lo que se denomina criptococosis cutánea secundaria. Las principales diferencias son que en la primera existe un antecedente traumático previo, menor porcentaje de pacientes inmunodeprimidos y lesiones únicas o confinadas a las manos o áreas descubiertas. Aunque la incidencia de criptococosis ha disminuido con el tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad, aun es prevalente en regiones donde no se accede a este tratamiento, así mismo las manifestaciones cutáneas son difíciles de reconocer por lo que es importante que el médico considere este diagnóstico en pacientes con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana o pacientes que antecedente traumático expuestos a la ecología del hongo como heces de palomas, tierra o madera en descomposición.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection of worldwide distribution, mainly produced by the complex Cryptococcus neoformans / Cryptococcus gattii, both are widely distributed in nature, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Generally the gateway is through inhalation and later spread to other regions of the body, especially the central nervous system. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the fungus, histopathology, culture isolation and the presence of capsular antigen. Cutaneous manifestations may be for primary inoculation to the skin, called primary cutaneous cryptococcosis or for hematogenous spread as part of a systemic disease, which is called secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis. The main differences are a previous trauma, lower percentage of immunocompromised patients and single lesions confined to the hands or bare spots in the first case. Although the incidence of cryptococcosis has decreased with highly active antiretroviral therapy, is still prevalent in regions where there is not access to this treatment, also the skin manifestations are difficult to recognize what is important for the physician to consider this diagnosis in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus or patients with traumatic history exposed to ecology of the fungus as pigeon excreta, soil or decaying wood.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre bioseguridad en unidades de cuidados intensivos de dos hospitales de Lima-Per£ 2008 / Knowledge, attitudes and practices on biosafety in intensive care units in two hospitals from Lima, Peru 2008

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y las prácticas (CAP) sobre bioseguridad del personal de salud de las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de dos hospitales de Lima, Perú. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en las UCIs de los hospitales Nacionales Dos de Mayo e Hipólito Unanue. Se desarrolló un instrumento de recolección de datos conformado por 27 ¡tems (KR-20=0.81) el cual se aplicó a médicos, enfermeras y técnicos de enfermer¡a. Resultados: Apreciamos que el 63.3% del personal tuvo un nivel de conocimientos bueno, el 95% actitudes favorables y el 47.5% buenas prácticas, no se encontr¢ personal con un nivel de pr cticas deficiente. No existieron diferencias entre grupos profesionales. Solo se encontró una correlación moderada entre las prácticas y el nivel de conocimientos (r=0,46; p<0,001), no se encontró correlación significativa entre las prácticas y las actitudes. Conclusiones: Encontramos que el nivel de CAP es mayor a lo reportado en la literatura nacional, sin embargo existieron ciertas deficiencias que deben ser resueltas con programas de capacitaci¢n en normas de bioseguridad con el fin de reducir la prevalencia de infecciones intrahospitalarias en UCI.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on biosafety of the health care providers of intensive care units (ICUs) in two hospitals from Lima Peru. Methods: Cross sectional study performed at ICUs from Hospitals Dos de Mayo and Hipolito Unanue - Lima, Peru. An instrument of data collection was developed conformed by 27 items (KR-20 = 0,81), which was applied to physicians, nurses and health technicians. Results: We appreciate that 63,3% of staff had a good knowledge level, 95% of them favorable attitudes and 47,5% had good practices, and there were no staff with a level of poor practices. No differences between professional groups. There was only a moderate correlation between the practices and knowledge level (r=0,46; p <0,001), no correlation was found between the practices and attitudes. Conclusions: We found a higher level of KAP than the one reported in the national literature. However, there were some deficiencies that should be resolved with training programs in biosafety regulations in order to reduce the prevalence of nosocomial infections in ICUs.

Facial porokeratosis: A series of six patients.

Porokeratosis is a disorder of epidermal keratinization characterized by annular plaques with an atrophic centre and hyperkeratotic edges, and includes a heterogeneous group of disorders that are mostly inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Facial porokeratosis is rare and is not well documented. We present six cases of facial porokeratosis seen over a period of 15 years in a hospital in Lima, Peru. In most of the cases, porokeratosis was found in younger women without any significant past medical history. Oral isotretinoin showed moderate improvement in two of our patients.

Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis in an HIV-negative patient from the Peruvian Andes.

We report a case of an immunocompetent Peruvian patient from the Andes with a one-month history of meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcus gattii was identified from a cerebrospinal fluid culture through assimilation of D-proline and D-tryptophan as the single nitrogen source. Initially, the patient received intravenous antifungal therapy with amphotericin B. The patient was discharged 29 days after hospitalization and continued with oral fluconazole treatment for ten weeks. During this period, the patient showed clinical improvement with slight right-side residual weakness. Through this case report, we confirm the existence of this microorganism as an infectious agent in Peru.

Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis in an HIV-negative patient from the Peruvian Andes / Meningoencefalite causada por Cryptococcus gattii em um paciente HIV-negativo procedente dos Andes Peruanos

We report a case of an immunocompetent Peruvian patient from the Andes with a one-month history of meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcus gattii was identified from a cerebrospinal fluid culture through assimilation of D-proline and D-tryptophan as the single nitrogen source. Initially, the patient received intravenous antifungal therapy with amphotericin B. The patient was discharged 29 days after hospitalization and continued with oral fluconazole treatment for ten weeks. During this period, the patient showed clinical improvement with slight right-side residual weakness. Through this case report, we confirm the existence of this microorganism as an infectious agent in Peru.

Nós reportamos o caso de um paciente peruano immunocompetente proveniente dos Andes com história de um mês com meningoencefalite. Foi identificado o Cryptococcus gattii na cultura de liquido cerebrospinal através da assimilação de D-prolina e D-tryptofano como fonte única de nitrogênio. Inicialmente, o paciente recebeu tratamento antifúngico intravenoso com amfotericina B. O paciente foi liberado 29 dias depois da hospitalização, seguindo tratamento oral durante 10 semanas com fluconazol. Durante este período, o paciente apresentou melhoria clinica e uma leve fraqueza residual direita. Com o reporte do caso, nós confirmamos a existência desse microorganismo como agente infeccioso em nosso país.

Skin diseases in the Peruvian Amazonia.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic diseases vary widely as a result of geographic location and may be influenced by environmental factors. Aim To determine the epidemiology of dermatological diseases in the Peruvian Amazonia. METHODS: Transversal and multicentric study, which were carried out during February of 2006, 2007, and 2008 in three regional hospitals in the Peruvian Amazonia. All new patients who were looking for dermatological consultation were included. Univariate/bivariate analysis, chi square, and multinomial logistic regression were used with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: A total of 1602 patients were included. The infectious and parasitic dermatoses were the most prevalent (31.5%). There was a statistically significant association between infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in children (P < 0.001). The parasitic dermatoses such as scabiosis, pediculosis, and myiasis were associated with an altitude less than 700 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) (P = 0.003, OR = 3.1, CI: 1.5-6.7). On the other hand, radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue were associated with more than 700 m.a.s.l. (P < 0.01, OR = 2.9, CI: 1.7-4.9). CONCLUSIONS: Infectious dermatological diseases were the most common diagnoses in the Peruvian Amazonia. In addition, radiation-related disorders of the skin should be addressed for people living/traveling in the rainforest area. These findings may assist in the training of general doctors in diagnosis and treatment of the most common dermatoses in tropical areas. Moreover, this study would be helpful for physicians from developed countries when giving medical advice/attention to travelers or immigrants of tropical areas.

Dermatosis paraneoplásicas: importancia de la examinación cutánea para la detección precoz de una neoplasia maligna / Paraneoplastic dermatoses: importance of cutaneous examination for the early detection of malignancy

Se revisaron los registros de neoplasias malignas presentadas durante el periodo 1993-2007 en un hospital general de Lima, con el objetivo de conocer cuáles presentaban una mayor frecuencia dedermatosis paraneoplásicas. Se diagnosticaron un total de 528 cánceres nuevos siendo el de mama el más frecuente. Se diagnosticó 4.5 dermatosis paraneoplásicas por cada 100 cánceres nuevos diagnosticados y se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en los cánceres que comprometían el tejido linfático y los órganos hematopoyeticos (25,9%), seguidos por los órganos genitales femeninos (10%) y órganos digestivos(5,7%). Reconocer las lesiones características de la dermatosis paraneoplásicas facilita la detección precoz de un cáncer oculto cuyas manifestaciones propias, probablemente, aparecerían hasta meses e incluso años después.

It was revised the record of malignant neoplasms during the period 1993-2007 in a general hospital from Lima, with the objective to know which neoplasms presented a major frequency of paraneoplastic dermatoses. A total of 528 new cancers being breast cancer the most frequent. It was diagnosed 4.5 paraneoplastic dermatoses by each 100 new cancers diagnosed and these dermatoses were presented with major frequency in cancers implicating the Malignant neoplasms, stated orpresumed to be primary, of lymphoid, haematopoietic and related tissue (25,9%), following by female genital organs (10%) and digestive organs (5.7%). Recognize the characteristics of paraneoplastic dermatoses facilitate early detection of occult cancer whose self manifestations probably appear until months or even years later.

Producción científica de la revista Dermatología Peruana / Scientific production of Dermatology Peruvian magazine

OBJETIVO: Determinar las características de la producción científica de la revista Dermatología Peruana desde su aparición. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio bibliométrico, se revisaron todos los volúmenes y números. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron dos periodos, de 1967 a 2009. Se publicaron 19 volúmenes con un total de 44 números. El número de artículos en total fue 532. Los artículos originales significaron el 20.11% de la producción científica, se encontró un promedio de 2.43 artículos por número. Las comunicaciones breves representan el mayor porcentaje de los artículos publicados (29.89%), con 3.61 publicaciones por número. CONCLUSIONES: Dermatología Peruana ha consolidado recientemente cuatro números por volumen. A pesar de ello el porcentaje de artículos originales no satisface aún con los requerimientos de 40% como mínimo para ser considerada de alta calidad científica. Por ello, es necesario que la calidad y periodicidad, hasta ahora conseguida, mejore con el paso de los años para lograr una mayor oportunidad de indización en bases de datos de prestigio, que aumentarán la visibilidad de los artículos y autores.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of scientific production of Revista Dermatología Peruana since its occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bibliometric study, there was revised all volumes and numbers. RESULTS: Two periods were studied, from 1967-1971 and 1996-2009. There was published 19 volumes with a total of 44 numbers. The total number of articles was 532. The original articles meant 20.11% of the scientific production, a main of 2.43 articles per number was found. Short communications represent high percentage of articles published (29.89%), with 3.61 publications per number.CONCLUSIONS: Revista Dermatología Peruana has recently consolidated fournumbers per volume. Despite this, the percentage of originals do not still satisfies with the requeriments of 40% as minimum to be considerate of a high scientific quality. For this reason, it is necessary that the quality and periodicity, achieved until now, improve with the time in order to get a major opportunity of indexing in prestigious data base, which will increase the visibility of articles and authors.

[Endemic pemphigus foliaceus in a pregnant woman. Report of one case]. / Gestante con pénfigo foliáceo endémico y producto libre de enfermedad: Caso clínico.

Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in an autoimmune skin disease present in areas of the Amazonia. We report a 36 year-old woman who presented EPF at 17 weeks of pregnancy. At 29 weeks, she started antimicrobial treatment and steroids. At the moment of delivery, the disease was in remission and cutaneous lesions were not seen in the neonate. Indirect immunofluorescence titers of total IgG in the mother and in the neonate were negative. Sixteen months later, IgG titers in the offspring were 1/20 and remained negative in the mother, who was on low doses of oral corticosteroids.

Enfermedades dermatológicas en un servicio académico asistencial universitario de Lima-Perú, 2004-2007 / Skin diseases in a dermatology academic teaching division of Lima-Peru, 2004-2007

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la frecuencia de enfermedades dermatológicas en un Servicio de Dermatología Universitario de la ciudad de Lima. PACIENTES Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo, realizado en el Servicio Académico Asistencial de Dermatología de la UNMSM, durante enero del 2004 a diciembre 2007. Los diagnósticos fueron clasificados de acuerdo al CIE-10. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 3294 pacientes nuevos, el promedio de edad fue de 35.4 ± 20.7 años, el 53.35% de pacientes fueron mujeres. Por grupo de enfermedad, las dermatosis infecciosas fueron las más comunes (29.3%), seguidas por las dermatitis (17.7%), neoplasias benignas (9.9%) y enfermedades de los anexos de la piel (9.8%). Las principales dermatosis encontradas fueron las verrugas víricas (14.3%), vitíligo (6%), otros tumores benignos de la piel (5.3%) y acné (4.8%). CONCLUSIONES: Las enfermedades infecciosas y las dermatitis fueron los diagnósticos más comunes. Las universidades como centro de formación integral del médico deberían ofrecer servicios académicos asistenciales que le permitan realizar docencia y proyeccióna la comunidad.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency ofdermatological diseases at University Department of Dermatology of Lima. PATIENTSAND METHODS: Descriptive, observational and retrospective, performed at the Dermatology Academic Teaching Division of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, during January 2004 to December 2007. Diagnoses were classified according to ICD-10. RESULTS: A total of 3294 new patients, the mean age was 35.4 ± 20.7 years, 53.35% of patients were female. For group of disease, infectious dermatoses were more common (29.3%), following by dermatitis(17.7%), benign neoplasms (9.9%) and diseasesof skin appendages (9.8%). The main dermatoses found were viral warts (14.3%), vitiligo (6%), other benign skin tumors (5.3%) and acne(4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Infectious diseases and dermatitis were the most common diagnoses. The universities as centre of integral formation of physicians must provide academic assistance services that can deliver teaching and outreach to the community.

Melanoma cutáneo y mucoso: epidemiología, características clínicas y metástasis a distancia en un hospital de Lima-Perú: período 1996- 2007 / Cutaneous and mucous melanoma: epidemiology, clinical characteristics and distant metastases in a tertiary health care hospital of Lima-Perú: 1996-2007

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incidencia del melanoma se está incrementando en diferentes poblaciones; lo cual se debería principalmente a factores ambientales que desencadenan el desarrollo de la lesión en poblaciones susceptibles genéticamente. OBJETIVOS: Determinarla epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas y metástasis a distancia del melanoma maligno enel Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo (HNDM) entre los años 1996-2007. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional, se incluyó a pacientes decualquier edad y sexo con diagnóstico confirmado por histopatología. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 94 casos, sin embrago solo 52 consignaban datos completos en las historias clínicas. El 64,5% fueron varones y la edad promedio fue de 61.9 ± 15.8 años. El 30.8 % presentaba exposición ocupacional a radiación solar sin fotoprotección y el 44% provenía de zonas de altura. Se presentaron 43 casos cutáneos, el tiempo promedio de enfermedad fuede 13.9 ± 13.5 meses. El tamaño promedio de la lesión fue de 5.1 cm. Los tipos de lesión más frecuentes fueron tumor y úlcera sin forma ni configuración, negro o amelanótico, menor de 6 cm, de lesión única, a menudos acompañados de prurito y dolor. Se presentaron 9 casos mucosos, el tiempo de enfermedad promedio fue de 5.6 ± 4.3 meses. Se localizaron en el paladar (44.4 %), recto (33.3 %) e íleon (22.2 %). CONCLUSIONES: Los casos de melanoma en el HNDM se encuentran en progresivo incremento. El melanoma en el HNDM es más frecuente en varones, el tipo clínico predominante es el acral y las metástasis a distancia sepresentan principalmente a pulmón. La asociación con enfermedades autoinmunes y vitíligo generalizado se presenta en pacientes con melanoma cutáneo no observándose en el melanoma mucoso.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of melanomais increasing in different populations, which would be due mainly to environmental factorsthat trigger lesion development in genetically susceptible populations. OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and distant metastases ofmalignant melanoma in the Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo (Lima-Peru) between January 1996to December 2007 PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective and observational study, it wasincluded patients of any age and sex withdiagnosis confirmed by histopathology. RESULTS: 94 cases were diagnosed; however,only 52 consignated completed dates in the pastclinical histories. 64.5% were male and the meanage was 61.9 ± 15.8 years. The 30.8% presented occupational exposure to solar radiation with out photoprotection and 44% were from highlands. There were 43 cutaneous cases; the mean time of disease was 13.9 ± 13.5 months. The meansize of lesion was 5.1 cm. The most frequent types of lesion were tumor and ulcer with out form or configuration, black or amelanotic, smaller than 6 cm, of unique lesion, often with pruritus and pain. There were 9 mucous cases, the main time disease was 5.6 ± 4.3 months. They were located in the palate (44.4%), rectum (33.3%) and ileum (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma is more frequentin male, the most frequent clinical type is the acral and distant metastases occur primarily inlung.

Eficacia y seguridad de la terapia tópica antioxidante versus placebo en el tratamiento del vitiligo generalizado de reciente inicio / Efficacia and security of topical antioxidant therapy versus placebo in the treatment of vitiligo of recent onset

Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de la terapia tópica antioxidante en el tratamiento del vitíligo generalizado de inicio reciente. Material y métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Los pacientes con vitíligo generalizado de inicio reciente fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Grupo de estudio: recibió terapia tópica reciente fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Grupo de estudio: recibió terapia tópica antioxidante aplicada en las lesiones cada 12 horas por 30 días. Grupo placebo: recibió terapia tópica con una sustancia carente de actividad farmacológica. La terapia tópica antioxidante estuvo compuesta fundamentalmente por pseudocatalasa activada por luz solar, luego de la aplicación se indicó a los pacientes exposición solar diaria por un período de 30 minutos. Al cabo de 10 semanas de tratamiento se evaluó si hubo re pigmentación, y se comparó los niveles pre y pos tratamiento de malonildialdehido (indicador de per oxidación lipídica) en lesiones cutáneas. Resultados: Al término del tratamiento los valores de MDA en lesiones del grupo que recibió terapia tópica antioxidante mostraron un incremento significativo del 24.5 por ciento con respecto a los valores basales (p=0.035); los valores del grupo placebo también mostraron un incremento significativo del 21.6 por ciento en los valores de MDA con respecto a la medición basal (p menor que 0.001). La evolución clínica mostró re pigmentación parcial de la lesiones en 16.6 por ciento de pacientes que recibieron terapia tópica antioxidante y en 6.6 por ciento de pacientes que recibieron placebo para lo cual no existió diferencia significativa (p = 0.206). En ningún paciente de ambos grupos se observó re pigmentación total de las lesiones. Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos en la muestra estudiada demuestran que la terapia tópica antioxidante no es eficaz en el tratamiento del vitíligo generalizado de inicio reciente y no reduce el estrés oxidativo.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of topical antioxidant therapy in the treatment of generalized vitiligo of recent onset. Material and methods: Randomized trial, double-blind, controlled with placebo. Patients with generalized vitiligo of recent onset were randomly distributed in two groups. Study group: They received topical antioxidant therapy applied in lesions each 12 hours for 30 days. Placebo group: They received topical therapy with a substance devoid of pharmacological activity. The topical antioxidant therapy was consisted primarily by pseudocatalasa activated by solar light, after the application, daily solar exposure was indicated to patients by a period of 30 minutes. After 10 weeks of treatment, repigmentation was evaluated whether there and pre and and post treatments of malonyldialdheyde (MDA) levels were compared in cutaneous lesion. Results: At the end of the treatment, values of MDA in lesions of group that receives topical antioxidant therapy showed a significant increase of 24.5 per cent with respect of basal values (p = 0.035); values of placebo group also showed a significant increase of 21.6 per cent in values of MDA with respect to basal measure (p minor that 0.001). Clinical evolution showed partial repigmentation of lesion in 16.6 per cent of patients that received topical antioxidant therapy and in 6.6 per cent of patients that received placebo for which there was no significant difference (p = 0.206). In no one patient of both groups we saw total repigmentation of lesion. Conclusions: Our findings in the sample studied showed that topical antioxidant therapy is not efficacy in the treatment of generalized vitiligo of recent onset and do not reduce the oxidative stress in cutaneous lesions.