The Role of Serum Lipids in Predicting Suicidal Ideation in Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that lipids could play a role in suicidal ideation and the pathogenesis of psychiatric diseases. The present study aims to investigate the correlation between variations in serum lipid concentration, a side effect of isotretinoin (ITT), psychiatric symptoms, and suicidal ideation in acne vulgaris patients under ITT treatment. Methods: Thestudy was completed with 41 acne patients. Patients were analyzed with the sociodemographic and clinical data form, Beck depression inventory (BDI), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at the beginning and on the third month of treatment. Lipid levels [serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)] were measured using the automatic chemistry analyzer (Beckman AU-5800). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) values were estimated with the Friedewald formula. Results: A statistically significant correlation was determined between the BSS scores and TC, TG, and LDL parameters at the beginning of treatment and the control date. Thus, it was determined that there was a negative weak correlation between BSS and TC parameters (r = -0.403; P = .009), a moderate negative correlation between BSS and TG (r = -0.526; P < .001), and a weak negative correlation between BSS and LDL (r = -0.421; P = .006). Furthermore, there were statistically significant changes between the BDI and BAI scores at the beginning of treatment and the third month ( P = 0.016 and P = .001, respectively). Although an increase was observed in BSS and BPRS after the treatment compared to pretreatment, the increase was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study findings revealed that serum lipid levels could be associated with psychiatric side effects in patients under ITT treatment. But, this must not be the only way to detect the risk when we consider that serum lipid levels that have been associated with suicidal ideation, depression, and several psychiatric diseases have the potential to be an important indicator. In this context, our preliminary results open the doors to a new perspective in this regard, using the concept of blood lipid optimization. These findings need to be considered preliminary and supported by large samples.

Analysis of the incidence of anogenital warts and serological test results for other sexually transmitted infections.

INTRODUCTION: Anogenital warts (AGWs) are proliferative lesions mainly presenting in the anal, genital, and perianal regions. They are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally. METHODS: The study included patients that presented at the Dermatology Clinic of Health Sciences, University Elazig, Fethi Sekin City Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 and were diagnosed with AGWs. Patients that presented with this diagnosis and were screened for other sexually transmitted infections (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, VDRL, and TPHA) were identified. Epidemiological and demographic patient data and the results of serological tests for other sexually transmitted infections in the last 4 years were analyzed. The patient data and examination results were collected retrospectively based on the hospital automated patient records. RESULTS: AGW incidence was significantly higher in males. The mean patient age was 32, and the mean female patient age was lower than that of males. It was observed that the number of patients that were followed up with an AGW diagnosis increased significantly during the last 4 years (p < 0.05). The study detected 2.2% HBsAg, 0.6% TPHA, 0.3% VDRL, 0.5% anti-HCV, and 56.5% anti-HBs positivity. No anti-HIV-positive patients were identified. None of the patients had more than one sexually transmitted infection on serology testing. CONCLUSIONS: Although the serological findings were higher when compared to certain studies and quite low when compared to others, it would be beneficial to evaluate all patients with AGWs for other sexually transmitted infections.

Ultra-Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Palliation of Mycosis Fungoides.

Introduction. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, and radiotherapy (RT) has been used to treat localized/limited lesions of MF. In this case report, the results of low-dose RT applied for palliative purpose are shared. Case Report. A 70-year-old male patient was admitted to the outpatient clinic 7 months ago with a generalized itchy rash. The result of the biopsy was reported as mycosis fungoides. Systemic treatment was not performed due to comorbid diseases. The hemibody RT was applied. 2 Gy was given per fraction, with a total dose of 6 Gy. The significant clinical relief was observed with 6 Gy RT. The patient died due to multiorgan failure 2 months later, and no recurrence was observed. Conclusion. The palliation was achieved in the advanced MF patient with fractionated 6 Gy hemibody RT for the remaining 2 months of life.