Scarring Alopecia in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antagonists-Induced Scalp Psoriasis.

Background: A broad spectrum of adverse reactions associated with the use of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) antagonists has been recognized over the past years. Induction of scalp psoriasis is a less known undesirable consequence of the use of these drugs and is not well characterized. Objective: To characterize TNFα inhibitors-induced psoriatic alopecia. Methods: We studied 6 patients with TNF-inhibitor induced psoriatic alopecia and reviewed 28 patients with this condition reported in the literature to date. Results: In addition to severe scalp psoriasis, we report hair follicle pathologies ranging from alopecia areata to scarring alopecia. Prognosis was good, but discontinuation of TNFα inhibitors was required in more than half of the cases in order to achieve a favourable outcome. Conclusion: TNFα inhibitors-associated psoriatic alopecia is rarely reported but requires a high index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis, as timely intervention may prevent irreversible damage.

Risk of advanced lesions at the first follow-up colonoscopy after polypectomy of diminutive versus small adenomatous polyps of low-grade dysplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The current guidelines for surveillance after polypectomy do not distinguish between diminutive (1-5 mm) and small (6-9 mm) polyps with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). We aimed to evaluate the risk for advanced neoplasia on follow-up colonoscopy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 443 patients whose worst finding at index colonoscopy was polypectomy of 1 to 5 or 6 to 9 mm polyps with LGD and those who underwent a follow-up colonoscopy. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 32.0 months (interquartile range 13-48 months), advanced neoplasia was found in 26 patients (5.9%). Among all included patients (n = 443), advanced neoplasia was found in 13 of 310 patients (4.2%) of the 1- to 5-mm group versus 13 of 133 patients (9.8%) of the 6- to 9-mm group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-7.6). Among the patients with 1 to 2 polyps resected (n = 313), advanced neoplasia was found in 8 of 231 patients (3.5%) of the 1- to 5-mm group versus 8 of 82 patients (9.8%) of the 6- to 9-mm group (HR 3.97; 95% CI, 1.47-10.7). Among the patients with ≥3 polyps resected (n = 130), advanced neoplasia was found in 5 of 79 patients (6.3%) of the 1- to 5-mm group versus 5 of 51 patients (9.8%) of the 6- to 9-mm group (HR 2.4; 95% CI, 0.7-8.36). Fair bowel preparation also was associated with the risk for advanced neoplasia at follow-up (HR 3.87, 95% CI, 1.70-8.82). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that among patients with up to 9-mm adenomatous polyps, a polyp size of 6 to 9 mm, >2 polyps, and fair bowel preparation are associated with advanced neoplasia.