Prescribing practices of tranexamic acid for melasma: Delphi consensus from the Pigmentary Disorders Society.

Introduction There is ambiguity regarding usage of tranexamic acid for melasma in India, be it in its pre-administration evaluation, administration route, dosing or monitoring. Hence, we conducted this study to understand various tranexamic-acid prescribing patterns and provide practical guidelines. Materials and methods A Google-form-based questionnaire (25-questions) was prepared based on the key areas identified by experts from the Pigmentary Disorders Society, India and circulated to practicing dermatologists across the country. In rounds 2 and 3, the questionnaire was re-presented to the same group of experts and their opinions were sought. The results of the practitioners' survey were denoted graphically alongside, to guide them. Consensus was deemed when at least 80% of respondents chose an option. Results The members agreed that history pertaining to risk factors for thromboembolism, cardiovascular and menstrual disorders should be sought in patients being started on oral tranexamic-acid. Baseline coagulation profile should be ordered in all patients prior to tranexamic-acid and more exhaustive investigations such as complete blood count, liver function test, protein C and S in patients with high risk of thromboembolism. The preferred oral dose was 250 mg orally twice daily, which can be used alone or in combination with topical hydroquinone, kojic acid and sunscreen. Repeated dosing of tranexamic-acid may be required for those relapsing with melasma following initial tranexamic-acid discontinuation. Coagulation profile should ideally be repeated at three monthly intervals during follow-up, especially in patients with clinically higher risk of thromboembolism. Treatment can be stopped abruptly post improvement and no tapering is required. Limitation This study is limited by the fact that open-ended questions were limited to the first general survey round. Conclusion Oral tranexamic-acid provides a valuable treatment option for melasma. Frequent courses of therapy may be required to sustain results and a vigilant watch is recommended for hypercoagulable states during the course of therapy.

Utility of high-frequency ultrasound in assessing cutaneous edema in venous ulcer patients.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) using a 20 MHz probe is a non-invasive assessment tool. Its utility in dermatology for diagnosis of disease or for monitoring of treatment response in various dermatological conditions is still being explored. Edema secondary to venous hypertension is the main pathogenic factor in the development of venous leg ulcers. However, there is no objective method for assessment of degree of edema. In this study, we explore the utility of high-frequency ultrasound in assessing cutaneous edema and for monitoring its improvement with compression therapy among patients with venous ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with venous ulcer were enrolled in the study. Measurement of cutaneous edema was done at baseline and after 2 weeks of compression therapy in all patients. The 3 levels of measurement were dorsum of foot (low site, L1), 4 cm proximal to the medial malleolus (middle site, L2), and the medial aspect of the calf between the medial malleolus and the knee (upper site, L3). RESULTS: Baseline subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) measurements were 2.46 ± 0.69 mm, 2.94 ± 0.65 mm, and 2.66 ± 0.64 mm at L1, L2, and L3, respectively. There was a significant reduction in SLEB measurement after compression therapy ( p values 0.008, 0.002, and 0.003 at L1, L2, and L3, respectively). The mean percentage reduction in SLEB at level of medial malleolus (mid level - 29.61 ± 12.24) was higher than the other 2 sites (L1-22.45 ± 15.83 and L3 were 27.57 ± 12.34). CONCLUSION: Cutaneous ultrasound aids in accurate assessment of level and severity of edema. Hence, it can be utilized in trials to objectively assess the adequacy of treatment for patients with venous insufficiency.

Is the Ratio of Antibodies Against Oxidized LDL to Oxidized LDL an Indicator of Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis?

OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Chronic inflammation results in increased oxidative stress and oxidizes lipoproteins, increasing their atherogenicity. This study sought to estimate the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and antibodies against oxidized LDL (anti-ox-LDL) and compute the ratio of anti-ox-LDL/ox-LDL as a single composite parameter to assess the oxidative lipoprotein burden as an indicator of cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 45 patients with psoriasis. All patients were given a psoriasis severity index score and their ox-LDL and anti-ox-LDL estimated using ELISA. RESULTS: The results of this study show an elevation in the ratio of anti-ox-LDL to ox-LDL in patients with psoriasis, which initiate and perpetuate the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an elevated ratio of anti-ox-LDL/ox-LDL can serve as a composite parameter reflecting the total oxidative lipoprotein burden and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients.

Pellagra y piel / Pellagra and skin

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