Effective keloid management using a combinatorial continuous-wave and repeat fractionated ablative CO2 laser regimen.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are benign proliferative scars that form as a result of dysregulated growth and collagen deposition in response to cutaneous injury. Laser therapies have emerged as promising options for the treatment of keloids, with performance varying by laser type and lesion characteristics. PURPOSE: To assess the combined continuous wave and repetitive fractionated CO2 laser treatment of keloids. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 22 cases of keloid scars treated with combined CO2 laser modes. A single session of continuous wave followed by five sessions of fractional delivery. Efficacy was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver Scar Scale. The Numeric Rating Scale was used to assess patient satisfaction and pain. RESULTS: Most patients were female (77.3%) with skin type IV (72.7%), age was 24.3 ± 9.3 years, most keloids were located on the earlobe (56.5%) or arm or hand (17.4%), size ranged from 5 to 10 cm, and time since injury ranged from 3 months to 35 years. No serious adverse events were reported. At 6 months, significant improvements from baseline occurred in all characteristics, scar color (4.8 ± 2.8 to 1.9 ± 1.1), rigidity (5.0 ± 2.8 vs. 5.4 ± 2.8), thickness (5.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1), and irregularity (5.9 ± 2.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9). The Vancouver scores followed a similar trend. Patient-rated overall improvement from 37 ± 17.6 at baseline to 16.1 ± 8.5 at 6 months, and improvement in associated pain and pruritus. CONCLUSION: Combination of two ablative laser delivery modes within a single laser platform provided for effective and safe keloid management and left patients highly satisfied.

Inyección local de toxina botulínica para la prevención de cicatrices hipertróficas y queloides: un protocolo para una revisión panorámica

Introducción: Las cicatrices hipertróficas (CH) y queloides (QU) corresponden al resultado de una cicatrización patológica en la piel, que afectan la calidad de vida de quienes las presentan. Su tratamiento considera diversas intervenciones, muchas de las cuales son de alto costo y/o poco predecibles. Entre ellas, la toxina botulínica (TB) podría tener un efecto a nivel preventivo, aunque los resúmenes de evidencia presentan resultados disímiles. Por esto, proponemos sintetizar la evidencia proveniente de revisiones sistemáticas (RS) y metaanálisis (MA) de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) sobre los efectos de la inyección local de TB en la prevención de CH y QU en pacientes que recibieron o recibirán un trauma quirúrgico en la piel. Métodos y análisis: Revisión panorámica siguiendo la declaración PRIOR. Ejecutaremos la búsqueda en la base de datos Epistemonikos. Realizaremos la selección de estudios, extracción de datos y evaluación de la calidad de las RS por duplicado. Compararemos las revisiones a través de matrices de evidencia, incluyendo las RS que aborden una pregunta similar y los ECA incluidos en estas. Estimaremos la superposición entre revisiones mediante el método de área cubierta y área cubierta corregida. Ética y difusión: No se requiere aprobación ética. Esta revisión se publicará después de un proceso de revisión por pares. Sus resultados podrían ser utilizados por personal de salud para informar decisiones individuales y por tomadores de decisión de servicios de salud para guiar la asignación de recursos.

Introduction: Hypertrophic scars (HS) and keloids (KE) result from an aberrant reparative process in the skin, impacting the quality of life of those who are affected by them. Their treatment consists of different interventions, many of which are costly and/or have unpredictable results. Among them, botulinum toxin (BT) might have a preventive effect, although current evidence summaries show varying results. Therefore, we aim to synthesize the evidence coming from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of local injection of TB in the prevention of HS and KE formation in patients after a surgical wound of the skin. Methods and analysis: This will be an overview of SRs following PRIOR statement. We will conduct the search in Epistemonikos Database. Two reviewers will independently conduct the screening of articles for inclusion, quality appraisal and data extraction. We will compare the SRs using an evidence matrix, including SRs that address this topic, and the RCTs included in them. We will estimate the overlap between them using the covered area method and corrected covered area index. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required. This review will be published after a peer-review process. The results will inform areas of future research and could be used by health personnel to make individual decisions, and by healthcare managers, administrators, and policymakers to guide resource allocation.

Microneedling in the Treatment of Post-burn Hypertrophic Scars.

INTRODUCTION: Post-burn hypertrophic scars are an important cause of physical discomfort, limitation of movements, psychological disorders, low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. Treatment for this condition is complex and involves several options. Microneedling, also known as minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction, is an affordable minimally invasive option that can be combined with other treatments, including ablative ones. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to present our microneedling approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burns. METHOD: A prospective study of 15 patients with post-burn hypertrophic scars was conducted between October 2016 and June 2022. All patients were treated with microneedling and drug delivery of triamcinolone. Scars were evaluated using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Burn Scar Assessment Scale (BSAS) and angle measurement for amplitude of movement evaluation of joints. RESULTS: A significant improvement in the VSS score was obtained after microneedling (8.8 ± 0.44 to 4.1 ± 0.98; p = 0.012), especially in the acute group (less than 1 year after burns): 9.3 ± 0.49 to 3.5 ± 1.36; p = 0.041. There was a significant and progressive improvement of the scars throughout the treatment sessions in all criteria evaluated and in the ranges of joint movement (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our microneedling protocol promoted a significant improvement of post-burn scars, especially in acute hypertrophic scars, and in the amplitude of joint motion. Sequential treatments provided progressive improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A simple drug-delivery microneedling technique modality successfully improves linear atrophic scars.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic scars are white, dermal depressions, caused by the destruction of collagen fibers and decrease in epidermal cells, following inflammation after different types of trauma. They lead to significant physical, aesthetic and psychological barriers and their treatment remain a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists. Microneedling has been shown to improve scars by stimulating angiogenesis and neocolagenesis and the combination of anti-fibrotic drugs could potentialize the results. METHODS: We present 8 cases of patients with linear scars, successfully treated with two sessions of a new Microneedling technique, using a tattoo machine, associated with drug delivery of 5-FU. RESULTS: A marked improvement in scar pigmentation and texture were noted by patients and doctors, 6 months following the sessions of MMP and drug delivery with 5-FU, in different body sites. We also showed that the assessment scores of at least one of the professionals with those of the patient had significant correlations with each other, which shows consistency between the qualitative assessment instruments. We also showed that the cause of the injury can influence joint assessment scores (physicians plus patient) or those exclusive to professionals trained for the assessments, generating evidence that the cause of the injury can influence the treatment outcome itself. CONCLUSIONS: We present an inexpensive and promising approach that can be easily done as an in-office procedure. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate this technique among the first line therapies for acne scar treatment.

Scarring in Rough Rectangular Billiards.

We study the mechanism of scarring of eigenstates in rectangular billiards with slightly corrugated surfaces and show that it is very different from that known in Sinai and Bunimovich billiards. We demonstrate that there are two sets of scar states. One set is related to the bouncing ball trajectories in the configuration space of the corresponding classical billiard. A second set of scar-like states emerges in the momentum space, which originated from the plane-wave states of the unperturbed flat billiard. In the case of billiards with one rough surface, the numerical data demonstrate the repulsion of eigenstates from this surface. When two horizontal rough surfaces are considered, the repulsion effect is either enhanced or canceled depending on whether the rough profiles are symmetric or antisymmetric. The effect of repulsion is quite strong and influences the structure of all eigenstates, indicating that the symmetric properties of the rough profiles are important for the problem of scattering of electromagnetic (or electron) waves through quasi-one-dimensional waveguides. Our approach is based on the reduction of the model of one particle in the billiard with corrugated surfaces to a model of two artificial particles in the billiard with flat surfaces, however, with an effective interaction between these particles. As a result, the analysis is conducted in terms of a two-particle basis, and the roughness of the billiard boundaries is absorbed by a quite complicated potential.

A Free Fatty Acid Synthetic Agonist Accelerates Wound Healing and Improves Scar Quality in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Impaired wound healing is a health problem around the world, and the search for a novel product to repair wounded skin is a major topic in the field. GW9508 is a synthetic molecule described as a selective agonist of free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) 1 and 4, and there is evidence of its anti-inflammatory effects on several organs of the body. PURPOSE: Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of topical GW9508 on wound healing in mice. RESEARCH DESIGN: First, we used bioinformatic methods to determine the expression of FFAR1 and FFAR4 mRNA in the skin from a human cell atlas assembled with single-cell transcriptomes. Next, we employed 6-week-old C57BL6J mice with 2 wounds inflicted in the back. The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups, a control group, which received topical vehicle, and a treatment group, which received GW9508, for 12 days. The wound was monitored by photographic documentation every 2 days, and samples were collected at day 6 and 12 post injury for RT-PCR, western blot and histology analyses. RESULTS: FFAR1 and FFAR4 mRNA are expressed in skin cells in similar amounts to those in other tissues. Topical GW9508 accelerated wound healing and decreased gene expression of IL-10 and metalloproteinase 9 on days 6 and 12 post injury. It increased the quantity of Collagen I and improved the organization of collagen fibres. Conclusions: Our results show that GW9508 could be an attractive drug treatment for wounded skin. Future studies need to be performed to assess the impact of GW9508 in chronic wound models.

Mating behavior of the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), as revealed by citizen science in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean / Comportamiento de apareamiento del tiburón limón Negaprion brevirostris (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), revelado por la ciencia ciudadana en el Océano Atlántico Ecuatorial

Introduction: Knowledge on the mating behavior and habitat requirements of large sharks, including the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris, is scarce, hampering conservation efforts. Objective: To describe an area in the Equatorial Atlantic used as a mating ground by N. brevirostris, as well as part of the species pre-copulatory behaviors based on citizen reports. Methods: Between 2004 and 2019, recreational divers, dive guides and rangers from the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FEN) recorded courtship behaviour, females with mating scars, pregnant females, and adult males. Results: N. brevirostris was recorded mating in shallow waters (0.5-2 m deep) during the austral summer (December to March). A specific location in the MPA, Buraco da Raquel lagoon, was the main aggregation and mating site for adult N. brevirostris in FEN. Conclusions: Citizen science records allowed the identification of shallow waters as key sites for the reproduction of this shark in FEN. Results highlight the potential of citizen science contributions to knowledge of sharks in nature and show MPAs as essential for habitat conservation of sharks with decreasing populations along the Brazilian coast, such as N. brevirostris. We present management recommendations to protect N. brevirostris there and elsewhere.

Introducción: El conocimiento sobre el comportamiento reproductivo y requisitos de hábitat de apareamiento de los tiburones grandes, incluido el tiburón limón, Negaprion brevirostris, es escaso, lo que dificulta los esfuerzos de conservación. Objetivo: Describir un área en el Océano Atlántico ecuatorial utilizada como zona de apareamiento y las interacciones precopulatorias del tiburón limón con base en informes proporcionados por ciencia ciudadana. Métodos: Buzos recreativos, guías de buceo y guardaparques del Área Marina Protegida (AMP) en el archipiélago Fernando de Noronha (FEN) llevaron registros de comportamientos de cortejo, hembras con cicatrices de apareamiento, hembras preñadas y machos adultos, entre 2004 y 2019. Resultados: Las aguas poco profundas entre 0.5 y 2 m de profundidad son utilizadas como áreas de apareamiento por N. brevirostris durante el verano austral (diciembre a marzo). Un lugar específico, dentro del AMP (laguna de Buraco da Raquel), fue identificado como el principal sitio de agregación y apareamiento de adultos de N. brevirostris en FEN. Conclusiones: Registros de ciencia ciudadana permitieron identificar aguas poco profundas como sitios clave para la reproducción de este tiburón en FEN. Los resultados resaltan el potencial de las contribuciones de la ciencia ciudadana al conocimiento de los tiburones en la naturaleza y muestran que las AMP son esenciales para la conservación del hábitat de tiburones con poblaciones decrecientes a lo largo de la costa brasileña, como N. brevirostris. Presentamos recomendaciones de gestión para proteger a N. Brevirostri, allí y en otros lugares.

The Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Superparasitism of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Population Lines on Different Hosts After Field Release.

Evaluating the behavior of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the field allows improving strategies for its release. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in the superparasitism of two populations of D. longicaudata on two fruit fly hosts after releasing them in a guava (Psidium guajava L.; cultivar 'Paluma') orchard. The two parasitoid populations used were CS and AS, which were reared on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), respectively. Four releases were carried out without host choice. Host larvae were offered to the parasitoids in sentinel traps attached at varying heights on the plant, and in plants located at eight different directions and seven distances (7.0, 21.0, 35.0, 49.0, 59.4, 63.0, and 69.3 m) from the center of the parasitoid release point. The traps remained in the orchard for 24, 48, and 168 h after release. After removing the traps, they were taken to the laboratory for scar counting. The percentages of parasitism, superparasitism, mortality, and emergence of parasitoids were determined. Data were analyzed using the generalized linear mixed-effect model (GLMM). The AS females were more active, as they exerted higher parasitism and superparasitism at the first distance and 48 h after release, leaving a higher number of oviposition scars on the host A. fraterculus. Additionally, higher host mortality was observed in A. fraterculus at the closest points and the first 48 h. The highest percentage of parasitoid emergence was observed in C. capitata parasitized by AS females.

Infantile hemangiomas: risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae

Abstract Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) occur in approximately 4% to 10% of the pediatric population. The identification of clinical subtypes and conditions that indicate increased risk for complications is essential for therapeutic success. Objectives: To identify risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with infantile hemangiomas undergoing follow-up at the Dermatology Service of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2018. Results: 190 patients were included; 24% had some type of complication, ulceration being the most frequent, and 86% required treatment. On correlation, ulceration was statistically related to mixed IH (p = 0.004), segmental IH (p < 0.01) and location in the gluteal region (p = 0.001). The mean time of treatment with propranolol was 12.7 months. Patients with PHACES syndrome and segmental infantile hemangioma required longer treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0407, respectively), as well as those who started treatment after five months of life (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 16.6% of the treated patients, all-female; 94% were located on the head and neck (mainly on the upper eyelid, cyrano, S3 segment, and with parotid involvement); 61% and 38.8% were of the mixed and deep subtypes, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the patients had some unaesthetic sequelae. Study limitations: As this is a retrospective study, data and photos of some patients were lost. Conclusions: Mixed and segmental hemangiomas are risk factors for ulceration and sequelae. Recurrence occurs more often in females and segmental hemangiomas. Segmental infantile hemangioma and PHACES syndrome require a longer time of treatment. Specific protocols are required for infantile hemangiomas with a high risk of recurrence.

Clinical Features of Acne in Primary Care Patients Assessed Through Teledermatology.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Acne is present in about 90% of teenagers and 12% to 14% of adults. Face and trunk are the most affected areas. Lesions can result in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, leading to reduced quality of life. Asynchronous teledermatology has been increasingly used around the world, facilitating patient access to dermatologists. Our objectives were to assess: (1) clinical features of acne patients according to gender, age, severity, site of lesions, excoriation, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and atrophic scar (AS) and (2) how many referrals to in-person consultations with dermatologists could be avoided using asynchronous teledermatology in primary care attention? METHODS: We analyzed images, demographic and clinical data of 2459 acne patients assisted by teledermatology, with the aim to confirm the diagnoses, to classify acne severity according to grades I to IV, and to search for the presence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic scars, and/or excoriated acne (EA). We compared the clinical and biological data, looking for associations among them. RESULTS: Acne severity and age were associated with the most common sequels: postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (mainly on the trunk and in females, P < .0001) and atrophic scars (mainly on the face and in males, P < .0001). We also observed different frequencies according to age and sex: 13 to 24 years in males (P = .0023); and <12 (P = .0023) and 25 to 64 years old (P <.0001) for females; 68% of the patients had no need for in-person dermatologists' referral, being kept at primary care attention with proper diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical features of acne and its sequels differ according to gender, age, site, and severity. The new findings of PIH associated with women and AS, with men, may help offer a more personalized management to patients. Teledermatology was suitable for the majority of the acne cases in primary care.

Infantile hemangiomas: risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) occur in approximately 4% to 10% of the pediatric population. The identification of clinical subtypes and conditions that indicate increased risk for complications is essential for therapeutic success. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with infantile hemangiomas undergoing follow-up at the Dermatology Service of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2018. RESULTS: 190 patients were included; 24% had some type of complication, ulceration being the most frequent, and 86% required treatment. On correlation, ulceration was statistically related to mixed IH (p = 0.004), segmental IH (p < 0.01) and location in the gluteal region (p = 0.001). The mean time of treatment with propranolol was 12.7 months. Patients with PHACES syndrome and segmental infantile hemangioma required longer treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0407, respectively), as well as those who started treatment after five months of life (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 16.6% of the treated patients, all-female; 94% were located on the head and neck (mainly on the upper eyelid, cyrano, S3 segment, and with parotid involvement); 61% and 38.8% were of the mixed and deep subtypes, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the patients had some unaesthetic sequelae. STUDY LIMITATIONS: As this is a retrospective study, data and photos of some patients were lost. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed and segmental hemangiomas are risk factors for ulceration and sequelae. Recurrence occurs more often in females and segmental hemangiomas. Segmental infantile hemangioma and PHACES syndrome require a longer time of treatment. Specific protocols are required for infantile hemangiomas with a high risk of recurrence.

Forma necrótica de úlcera de Lipschütz / Necrotic type of Lipschütz ulcer

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: Las úlceras de Lipschütz son una causa infrecuente de úlcera genital, de alivio espontáneo y casi siempre benignas, aunque en algunas pacientes pueden dejar cicatrices genitales. Lo común es que aparezcan en mujeres jóvenes, antes del inicio de la vida sexual activa, en coincidencia con un cuadro catarral o pseudogripal. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 18 años con una úlcera vulvar dolorosa, coincidente con un episodio de amigdalitis aguda y fiebre de 38 ºC. La paciente negó haber tenido relaciones sexuales. La úlcera alcanzó 3 a 4 cm, profunda, purulenta, con apertura del labio menor derecho y con importante componente necrótico. Para el control del dolor se le indicaron: corticoides, doxiciclina oral, crema con lidocaína y antiinflamatorios. Los análisis de laboratorio descartaron que se tratara de infección de trasmisión sexual. Al término del esquema terapéutico prescrito la evolución fue favorable, con desaparición de los síntomas, pero con una secuela: apertura del labio mayor derecho. CONCLUSIONES: La úlcera de Lipschütz es una causa infrecuente de úlcera vulvar. Su tratamiento consiste en el control de los síntomas y casi siempre se cura en el transcurso de 4 a 6 semanas, sin dejar lesiones. El diagnóstico solo puede establecerse luego de excluir otras causas más frecuentes de úlcera vulvar.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Lipschütz ulcers are an infrequent cause of genital ulcer, of spontaneous relief and almost always benign, although in some patients they may leave genital scars. They usually appear in young women, before the onset of active sexual life, coinciding with a catarrhal or flu-like condition. CLINICAL CASE: 18-year-old female patient with a painful vulvar ulcer, coinciding with an episode of acute tonsillitis and fever of 38 ºC. The patient denied having had sexual intercourse. The ulcer was 3 to 4 cm, deep, purulent, with opening of the right labium minora and with a significant necrotic component. For pain control she was prescribed corticosteroids, oral doxycycline, lidocaine cream and anti-inflammatory drugs. Laboratory tests ruled out sexually transmitted infection. At the end of the prescribed therapeutic scheme the evolution was favorable, with disappearance of symptoms, but with a sequel: opening of the right labium majus. CONCLUSIONS: Lipschütz ulcer is a rare cause of vulvar ulcer. Its treatment consists of symptom control and it almost always heals within 4 to 6 weeks, leaving no lesions. The diagnosis can only be established after other more frequent causes of vulvar ulceration have been excluded.

Prevalence of skin diseases in children 1 to 6 years old in the city of Bogota, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases represent an important part of the morbidity among children and are possibly influenced by geographic, racial, social, cultural, and economic factors. Despite being so frequent around the world, skin diseases have not been important in developing strategies in public health. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of skin diseases among the student population between 1 and 6 years of age in Bogotá, Colombia between March 2009 and June 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed across a probabilistic, stratified, randomized sampling by proportional assignment (based on locality and type of institution) and was developed in schools in Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS: A total of 2437 children between 1 and 6 years of age were examined, and 42.8% (1035) presented a dermatologic disease. Papular urticaria was the most frequent (62.9%) (IC: 58.4%; 67.1%), followed by dermatitis/eczema (13.0%) (IC: 10.8%; 15.4%), and infectious diseases (12.3%) (IC: 9.7%; 15.3%). CONCLUSION: The research demonstrates a high prevalence of papular urticaria as a result of flea and mosquito bites and infectious diseases of the skin in the studied population. The dermatologic diseases found are easy to diagnose, respond to the proper treatment, and are preventable. However, the fact that many of the examined children likely had not visited the doctor for the detected pathology could indicate the lack of access to health services affecting this population.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Clinical Implications of Genomic Alterations and Mutational Profiling.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer whose molecular basis is poorly understood. We performed a comprehensive molecular analysis of 24 IBC biopsies naïve of treatment, using a high-resolution microarray platform and targeted next-generation sequencing (105 cancer-related genes). The genes more frequently affected by gains were MYC (75%) and MDM4 (71%), while frequent losses encompassed TP53 (71%) and RB1 (58%). Increased MYC and MDM4 protein expression levels were detected in 18 cases. These genes have been related to IBC aggressiveness, and MDM4 is a potential therapeutic target in IBC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed genes associated with inflammatory regulation and immune response. High homologous recombination (HR) deficiency scores were detected in triple-negative and metastatic IBC cases. A high telomeric allelic imbalance score was found in patients having worse overall survival (OS). The mutational profiling was compared with non-IBC (TCGA, n = 250) and IBC (n = 118) from four datasets, validating our findings. Higher frequency of TP53 and BRCA2 variants were detected compared to non-IBC, while PIKC3A showed similar frequency. Variants in mismatch repair and HR genes were associated with worse OS. Our study provided a framework for improved diagnosis and therapeutic alternatives for this aggressive tumor type.

Methodological quality of clinical trials of keloid scars.

BACKGROUND: There is heterogeneity in the design of clinical trials (CT) for the treatment of keloid scars that compromises the validity of their results. OBJECTIVE: To assess the methodological quality of the CT published on keloid scars, mainly the outcomes used in them. METHOD: Articles of CT for keloid scars were analyzed, their methodological quality was evaluated following the CONSORT guidelines and the risk of bias based on the Cochrane tool. All the clinical outcomes measured in CT were identified. RESULTS: Fifty-two full-text articles were evaluated, of which, only 3.84% of the CT mentioned important changes in the methodology after starting patient recruitment. Fifty-nine percent of the CT were assessed as high risk of performance bias due to mistakes in blinding participants and personnel. The most frequent outcome was the height or thickness of the keloids. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that participants with hypertrophic scars should be excluded from keloids' clinical trials, and that the main outcome must be the scar height and flattening. The pain and quality of life of patients should also be measured.

ANTECEDENTES: Existe heterogeneidad en el diseño de los ensayos clínicos (EC) para el tratamiento de cicatrices queloides que compromete la validez de sus resultados. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad metodológica de los EC publicados sobre cicatrices queloides, principalmente las medidas de eficacia utilizadas. MÉTODO: Se analizaron los EC publicados sobre tratamientos para cicatrices queloides y se evaluó su calidad metodológica siguiendo los lineamientos CONSORT y el riesgo de sesgo según la herramienta de Cochrane. Se identificaron todas las medidas de eficacia utilizadas en los EC. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 52 artículos, de los cuales solo en el 3.84% se mencionan los cambios importantes en la metodología después de iniciar el reclutamiento de los pacientes. El 59.6% de los EC fueron evaluados con alto riesgo de sesgo de realización por errores en el cegamiento del equipo de investigación. La variable de respuesta más frecuente fue la altura o grosor de las cicatrices. CONCLUSIONES: Se recomienda que en los EC de cicatrices queloides se excluya a los participantes con cicatrices hipertróficas, y que la variable de resultado principal sea la altura de la cicatriz. También deben medirse el dolor y la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Hydrocolloid dressings can be used to treat hypertrophic scars: An outpatient dermatology service devoted to treat keloids and challenging scars.

Since we first described the rationale for the use of hydrocolloid dressings to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars, this technique has been used as an occlusive therapy alternative to the use of silicone sheets in our outpatient clinic. In this paper, we describe the use of these dressings on two patients with challenging scars: a large postburn hypertrophic scar on a young patient's hand and arm, with a growing keloid on the wrist, and a progressive scar on the lower eyelid, developing after a complication of a cosmetic blepharoplasty procedure, leading to ectropium. The methods on the proper use of these dressings are reviewed here in detail. Larger clinical trials are needed to further evaluate this technique in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Pilot study for the evaluation and adaptation of a Four Item-Acne-Scar Risk Assessment Tool (4-ASRAT): a resource to estimate the risk of acne-induced scars.

Background: Acne-induced scarring is associated with a similar burden as acne, i.e. diminished quality of life, and may be avoided if patients receive appropriate and timely acne treatment. In 2017, a four item-Acne-Scar Risk Assessment Tool (4-ASRAT) was designed by Tan et al. to categorise patients with acne into lower-risk or higher-risk for acne scarring. Its applicability outside the initial study population (France, Brazil and United States) remains to be determined.  Methods: A study protocol was developed to create a systematic approach for validating and adapting 4-ASRAT to different populations, Ecuador in this case. The protocol was reviewed by 11 local and international dermatologists and pilot-tested in an Ecuadorian population using a sample of 10 participants who currently had or had had acne. Feedback from the pilot study was used to improve the study protocol. The results of the pilot study are included here, and the final study protocol is available as extended data.  Results: The protocol proved to be applicable. Images taken of participants were a valuable resource for dermatological evaluation about the presence or absence of acne scars. Tangential light is necessary for this evaluation. Although dermatological assessments varied, we concluded that assessment by three local dermatologists for each participant was adequate for reaching a consensus on the presence or absence of acne scars.   Conclusions: Considering the morbidity related to acne and acne scars, tools designed as prevention that alert patients about risk of developing scarring are necessary. The proposed protocol shows a feasible way of validating and adapting 4-ASRAT to different populations.

Silicone sheets and new gels to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids: A short review.

Silicone dressings have been used to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids since 1983. This treatment modality is considered to be safe and efficacious, leading to a progressive improvement in scar color, size, erythema, pliability, pain, and itching. Its mechanism of action is due to the hydration of the skin corneal layer; and modulating the cell signaling between fibroblasts and keratinocytes, mediated by cytokines. Silicone dressings are considered first line treatments for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Silicone gels were developed later, in order to help treating those scars in areas such as the scalp or joints, where fixing the silicone sheets would be a more difficult task, or on the face, where a silicone dressing would be cosmetically undesirable to most. Similar to silicone sheets, silicone gels have also proved to help treating and preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids. A new silicone gel combined with hypochlorous acid has recently been developed to help in treating scars. Hypochlorous acid acts as a biocide and anti-inflammatory agent, therefore, it has also been used in post procedure, on recent traumatic scars or on nonepithelized skin. This manuscript reviews the use of silicone dressings, silicone gels, and combined gels to treat scars.

Recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico, manejo y estudio de la infección del tracto urinario en pediatría: rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Parte 1 / Recommendations on diagnosis, management and study of the urinary tract infection in pediatrics: nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics. Part 1

Resumen: La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) es una de las infecciones bacterianas mas frecuentes en la edad pediátrica, pero su diagnóstico y manejo se pueden ver complicados por lo inespecífico de sus sín tomas y signos de presentación, la dificultad en la interpretación de los exámenes, especialmente en niños mas pequeños, y por un pronóstico respecto a daño renal muchas veces incierto. En los últimos años, se ha evidenciado una modificación significativa en el enfoque diagnostico y terapéutico de esta patología, surgiendo la necesidad de actualizar las recomendaciones previas. El propósito de esta re vision es contribuir a reducir la variabilidad de la práctica clínica en el manejo de ITU en la población pediátrica, mejorando la detección y manejo de la patología estructural y otros factores de riesgo de daño renal, evitando acciones innecesarias en aquellos niños con bajo riesgo. En esta primera parte, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto a diagnóstico y manejo de la ITU en pediatría. En la segunda parte se detalla su estudio, prevención y seguimiento.

Abstract: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequent bacterial infection in pediatrics. However, its diagnosis and management can be complicated due to the nonspecific clinical presentation, the difficulty of exams interpretation, especially in younger children, and an uncertain prognosis regar ding renal damage. In recent years, significant worldwide change has come in treatment, diagnosis, and images studies, we have decided to update the current recommendations on UTI management published by the Pediatric Nephrology branch of Chilean Pediatrics Society in previous years. The purpose of these recommendations is to reduce the variability of clinical practice in management of UTI in our pediatric population, favoring diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the most ap propriate way, improving detection and management of structural pathology and other risk factors of renal damage, avoiding unnecessary actions in children with low risk. This first part includes diag nosis and treatment recommendations of urinary tract infection in pediatric age. In the second part the study, prevention and monitoring of urinary tract in pediatric age is detailed.

Cicatriz queloide gigante / Giant keloid scar

Introducción: La cicatriz queloide forma parte de las cicatrices patológicas por exceso; es una afección que se caracteriza por el depósito excesivo de colágeno en la dermis y tejido celular subcutáneo. El proceso por el cual se desarrolla no es del todo conocido, es más frecuente en la raza negra y afecta en igual proporción a hombres que mujeres. Objetivo: Informar a la comunidad médica sobre experiencia en el manejo y tratamiento con dos pacientes portadores de lesiones queloides de gran tamaño. Caso clínico: Se presentan dos pacientes con cicatriz queloide gigante a partir de ambos lóbulos auriculares y cuello anterior; se expone la conducta terapéutica basada en la combinación de tres modalidades de tratamiento: cirugía; infiltración con acetónido de triamcinolona, 1 ml (40 mg) desde el día del acto quirúrgico, se repitió cada 15 días; junto a presoterapia con crema esteroidea. Conclusiones: Aunque no existe un tratamiento ideal, se debe tener en cuenta al tratar esta enfermedad si se está ante una lesión recidivante, el tiempo de aparición de la tumoración, sus características clínicas; de seleccionarse el tratamiento quirúrgico como opción terapéutica, debe acompañarse de otras modalidades de tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: The keloid scar is part of the pathological scars by excess, is a condition characterized by the excessive deposit of collagen in the dermis and subcutaneous cell tissue, the process by which it develops is not entirely known, it is more frequent in the black race, affects in equal proportion men than women. Objective: To inform the medical community of the experience in handling and treating two patients with large keloid lesions. Clinical case: Two patients with giant keloid scars are presented from both earlobes and anterior neck where therapeutic behavior based on the combination of three treatment modalities is exposed: surgery, triamcinolone acetonide 1 ml (40mg) infiltration beginning on the first day after surgery, repeated every 15 days and pressotherapy with steroid cream. Conclusions: Although there is no ideal treatment, it should be taken into account when treating this disease if we are facing a recurrent injury, the time of onset of the tumor, its clinical characteristics, surgical treatment should be selected as a therapeutic option, accompanied by other forms of treatment(AU)