Prurigo: review of its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Prurigo is a reactive, hyperplastic skin condition characterized by pruritic papules, plaques, and/or nodules. The temporal classification includes acute/subacute and chronic disease (≥ 6 weeks), with different clinical variants, synonymies, and underlying etiological factors. The immunology of chronic prurigo shows similarities with atopic dermatitis due to the involvement of IL-4 and IL-13, IL-22, and IL-31. Treatment includes antihistamines, topical steroids, dupilumab, and JAK inhibitors. Several conditions manifest clinically as prurigo-like lesions, and the correct clinical diagnosis must precede correct treatment. Furthermore, chronic prurigos represent a recalcitrant and distressing dermatosis, and at least 50% of these patients have atopic diathesis, the treatment of which may induce adverse effects, especially in the elderly. The quality of life is significantly compromised, and topical treatments are often unable to control symptoms and skin lesions. Systemic immunosuppressants, immunobiologicals, and JAK inhibitors, despite the cost and potential adverse effects, may be necessary to achieve clinical improvement and quality of life. This manuscript reviews the main types of prurigo, associated diseases, their immunological bases, diagnosis, and treatment.

Bibliometric evaluation of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2013-2022)

Abstract The Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, published since 1925, is the most influential dermatological journal in Latin America, indexed in the main international bibliographic databases, and occupies the 50th position among the 70 dermatological journals indexed in the Journal of Citations Reports, in 2022. In this article, the authors present a critical analysis of its trajectory in the last decade and compare its main bibliometric indices with Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The journal showed consistent growth in different bibliometric indices, which indicates a successful editorial policy and greater visibility in the international scientific community, attracting foreign authors. The increases in citations received (4.1 ×) and in the Article Influence Score (2.9×) were more prominent than those of the main Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The success of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in the international scientific scenario depends on an assertive editorial policy, on promptly publication of high-quality articles, and on institutional stimulus to encourage clinical research in dermatology.

Long-term maintenance treatment of rosacea: experts' opinion.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by remissions and flares. Although the rosacea active treatment phase is well established, the long-term maintenance phase is still challenging. OBJECTIVE: To discuss and make recommendations on how to treat patients during the long-term maintenance phase for the main rosacea phenotypes. METHODS: A panel of six board-certified Brazilian dermatologists and one American dermatologist gathered to compose a consensus based upon an initial statement on how to treat rosacea during the long-term maintenance phase based on the methodology Nominal Group Technique. The experts discussed each factor based upon an initial statement on how to treat rosacea patients in the long-term maintenance phase. A sequence of comprehensive narrative reviews was performed; a questionnaire preparation about the definition of the maintenance phase and its management was presented; an interpersonal discussion and ranking of the ideas were conducted. Recommendations were made if the specialists had 75% agreement. RESULTS: The maintenance treatment phase, which starts by achieving IGA 0 or 1 grades at the active phase, should be considered at least during the 9-month period after remission. The recommendations of all treatments target this period. Daily skincare regimen and sunscreen are crucial. Active treatment phase should be recommended if signs or symptoms reappear or worsen. CONCLUSION: Maintenance phase success depends on patient's adherence to daily skin care, appropriate treatments, continued follow-up with dermatologist, and self-assessment to identify new signs and symptoms indicating disease relapse.

Bibliometric evaluation of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2013-2022).

The Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, published since 1925, is the most influential dermatological journal in Latin America, indexed in the main international bibliographic databases, and occupies the 50th position among the 70 dermatological journals indexed in the Journal of Citations Reports, in 2022. In this article, the authors present a critical analysis of its trajectory in the last decade and compare its main bibliometric indices with Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The journal showed consistent growth in different bibliometric indices, which indicates a successful editorial policy and greater visibility in the international scientific community, attracting foreign authors. The increases in citations received (4.1×) and in the Article Influence Score (2.9×) were more prominent than those of the main Brazilian medical and international dermatological journals. The success of Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in the international scientific scenario depends on an assertive editorial policy, on promptly publication of high-quality articles, and on institutional stimulus to encourage clinical research in dermatology.

Side effects of chronic systemic glucocorticoid therapy: what dermatologists should know.

In dermatologists' clinical practice, the use of systemic glucocorticoids is recurrent for the management of different comorbidities that require chronic immunosuppression. The prescription of this medication requires caution and basic clinical knowledge due to the several adverse effects inherent to the treatment. However, different doubts may arise or inappropriate conduct may be adopted due to the lack of objective and specific guidelines for the screening, prophylaxis and management of complications from chronic corticosteroid therapy. Considering this problem, the authors carried out a narrative review of the literature to gather up-to-date data on adverse effects secondary to the chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids. The broad approach to this topic made it possible to review the pathophysiology and risk factors for these complications, as well as to develop updated orientation that can be used as a learning tool and quick reference for dermatologists during their clinical practice with glucocorticoids.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique.

This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

New small molecules in dermatology: for the autoimmunity, inflammation and beyond.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The discovery of new inflammatory pathways and the mechanism of action of inflammatory, autoimmune, genetic, and neoplastic diseases led to the development of immunologically driven drugs. We aimed to perform a narrative review regarding the rising of a new class of drugs capable of blocking important and specific intracellular signals in the maintenance of these pathologies: the small molecules. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 114 scientific papers were enrolled in this narrative review. RESULTS: We describe in detail the families of protein kinases-Janus Kinase (JAK), Src kinase, Syk tyrosine kinase, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK)-their physiologic function and new drugs that block these pathways of intracellular signaling. We also detail the involved cytokines and the main metabolic and clinical implications of these new medications in the field of dermatology. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having lower specificity compared to specific immunobiological therapies, these new drugs are effective in a wide variety of dermatological diseases, especially diseases that had few therapeutic options, such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo.

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology.

The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

Prevalence of and risk factors for post-COVID: Results from a survey of 6,958 patients from Brazil.

A plethora of prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, or late manifestations has been reported after acute disease and labeled "post-COVID". The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for post-COVID up to 12 weeks after the onset of acute COVID-19. An electronic survey was conducted to evaluate post-COVID-19 symptoms, disease severity, demographics, and pre-existing diseases. The participants were recruited through 88,648 SMS messages, and post on social media. The associations between variables were explored through multivariate models. From 6,958 respondents with confirmed COVID-19, 753 (10.8%) required hospitalization, and 5,791 (83.2%) exhibited at least one post-COVID manifestation. Hair loss (49.4%), memory loss (40.7%), low attention (37.0%), fatigue (34.2%), anxiety (31.2%), and headache (29.6%) were the most reported post-COVID manifestations. Female sex, myalgia, anosmia, and severe disease were associated with most post-COVID manifestations. Pre-existing depression was associated with the development of neuropsychiatric manifestations. Post-COVID manifestations were identified in most patients following COVID-19 infection, placing a supplementary burden on the healthcare system. Hair loss, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were the most prevalent post-COVID manifestations. Female sex, myalgia, anosmia, and more severe disease are risk factors for multiple post-COVID manifestations.

Eosinophilia and elevated IgE serum levels: a red flag: when your diagnosis is not a common atopic eczema or common allergy.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The hallmark of type 2 inflammation is eosinophilia and/or high IgE serum levels, mostly in atopic dermatitis. Nevertheless, many dermatoses may present similar findings. Our aim is to explore the biological and clinical spectrum of cutaneous manifestations involving tissue and/or systemic eosinophilia, and distinct serum levels of IgE, where atopic dermatitis or other primary allergic eczema, not always is the definitive diagnosis. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 37 scientific papers were enrolled in this narrative review. RESULTS: A diagnostic approach for patients with elevated serum IgE level and a list of conditions not related to atopic dermatitis that runs through inborn errors of immunity, inflammatory disorders, lung disorders, malignancy, infections/infestations are displayed. Regarding to peripheral eosinophilia, differential diagnosis is also explored and clinical patterns of skin diseases associated with tissue eosinophilia are listed, to facilitate our diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We should maintain a high level of suspicion about other differential diagnosis involving eosinophilia and IgE dysregulation, especially in patients very young (when innate errors of the immunity may present) and in middle to elderly patients classified as having atopic dermatitis, due to the possibility of cutaneous hematological malignancies, paraneoplasia or autoimmune blistering diseases.

JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors in dermatology

Abstract The JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediates important cellular processes such as immune response, carcinogenesis, cell differentiation, division and death. Therefore, drugs that interfere with different JAK-STAT signaling patterns have potential indications for various medical conditions. The main dermatological targets of JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors are inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata; however, several dermatoses are under investigation to expand this list of indications. As JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors should gradually occupy a relevant space in dermatological prescriptions, this review presents the main available drugs, their immunological effects, and their pharmacological characteristics, related to clinical efficacy and safety, aiming to validate the best dermatological practice.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique

Abstract This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Accuracy of direct examination and culture as compared to the anatomopathological examination for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis: a systematic review

Abstract Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a skin infection caused by dematiaceous fungi that take the form of muriform cells in the tissue. It mainly manifests as verrucous plaques on the lower limbs of rural workers in tropical countries. Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic methods for the identification of chromoblastomycosis, considering the histopathological examination as the reference test. Methods: MEDLINE, LILACS and Scielo databases were consulted using the terms ‟chromoblastomycosis" AND ‟diagnosis". The eligibility criteria were: studies that evaluated the accuracy of tests for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. Eleven studies were selected. Statistical analysis included the calculation of sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic methods. Results: Considering the histopathological examination as the reference test, the culture showed a sensitivity (S) of 37.5% - 90.9% and a specificity (Sp) of 100%; while direct mycological examination showed S = 50% - 91.6% and Sp of 100% . Considering the culture as the reference test, the serology (precipitation techniques) showed S of 36% - 99%; and Sp of 80% - 100%; while the intradermal test showed S of 83.3% - 100% and Sp of 99.4% - 100%. Study limitations: The small number of studies and very discrepant sensitivity results among them do not allow the calculation of summary measures through a meta-analysis. Conclusions: Direct mycological examination, culture, intradermal test and serology show sensitivity and specificity values for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis with no significant difference between the studies.

Case Report: A Case Series of Immunobiological Therapy (Anti-TNF-α) for Patients With Erythema Nodosum Leprosum.

Patients with leprosy may experience a chronic and severe type II leprosy reaction (ENL) erythema nodosum leprosum that may not respond to thalidomide and systemic immunosuppressants or may even cause serious adverse events. We here present four patients in whom anti-TNF-α therapy was used with successful results and compare our findings with other published cases. Four patients with chronic and severe ENL who did not respond to, at least, thalidomide and steroids (high doses) were followed up at two reference centers in Brazil. A thorough laboratory investigation was performed to exclude tuberculosis and other diseases before the start of immunobiological medication. Three patients were started on etanercept, and one patient was started on adalimumab. Of all patients, three developed severe adverse events resulting from the use of classical immunosuppressants for ENL (cataracts, deep vein thrombosis, diabetes, and osteoporosis). In all cases, a reduction in the number of ENL and, at least half of the immunosuppressant dose between 6 months and 2 years, were observed. Long-term follow-up of one patient revealed a dramatic reduction in hospital admissions due to ENL, from 12 instances in 1 year (before biologic therapy) to none (after biologic therapy), along with an improvement in condyloma acuminatum. In addition, no direct adverse events were observed with biologics. Treatment with anti-TNF-α therapy may be used as an alternative in patients with chronic and severe ENL who do not respond to traditional treatment (e.g., thalidomide, steroids, and other immunosuppressants). This treatment can help reduce the frequency of ENL, the immunosuppressive burden, and the number of hospital admissions.