Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa (Acne Inversa): an effective and safe tool for improvement of the clinical severity of disease. Results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an inflammatory-based dermatological condition often associated with obesity, poses significant challenges in management. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has shown efficacy in addressing obesity, related metabolic disorders, and reducing chronic inflammation. However, its effects on HS remain underexplored. In this prospective pilot study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a 28-day active phase of VLCKD on HS in a sample of treatment-naive women with HS and excess weight. METHODS: Twelve women with HS and overweight or obesity (BMI 27.03 to 50.14 kg/m2), aged 21 to 54 years, meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria and agreeing to adhere to VLCKD, were included. Baseline lifestyle habits were assessed. The Sartorius score was used to evaluate the clinical severity of HS. Anthropometric parameters (waist circumference, weight, height, and body mass index), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) were assessed at baseline and after 28 days of the active phase of VLCKD. RESULTS: VLCKD led to general improvements in anthropometric parameters and body composition. Notably, a significant reduction in the Sartorius score was observed after the intervention (Δ%: - 24.37 ± 16.64, p < 0.001). This reduction coincided with significant decreases in TMAO (p < 0.001), dROMs (p = 0.001), and oxLDL (p < 0.001) levels. Changes in the Sartorius score exhibited positive correlations with changes in TMAO (p < 0.001), dROMs (p < 0.001), and oxLDL (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The 28-day active phase of VLCKD demonstrated notable improvements in HS severity and associated metabolic markers, highlighting the potential utility of VLCKD in managing HS and its association with metabolic derangements in women with overweight or obesity.

Efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in real-world psoriasis management: data from patients who are biologic-naive vs. biologic-experienced.

BACKGROUND: Bimekizumab is the latest monoclonal antibody approved for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Currently, data investigating its use in real-world settings are limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, also comparing patients who are biologic-naive vs. biologic-experienced. METHODS: A short-term (16 weeks) real-world monocentric prospective study was undertaken. RESULTS: Globally, 56 patients were included. At baseline, mean Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were 16.9 (SD 7.8) and 22.6 (SD 5.9), respectively. A ≥ 75%/≥ 90%/100% reduction in PASI (PASI 75/90/100) were reached by 77% (43/56)/50% (28/56)/43% (43/56) of patients at week 4 and by 88% (49/56)/82% (46/56)/70% (39/56) of patients at week 16. In our cohort of 56 people, 29 (52%) patients were biologic-naive whereas 27 (48%) were biologic-experienced. At baseline, both PASI and DLQI were significantly higher in the biologic-naive group compared with the biologic-experienced group [PASI 19.4 (SD 7.7) vs. 14.2 (SD 7.0), P < 0.05; DLQI: 25.3 (SD 4.5) vs. 19.7 (SD 6.0), P < 0.001]. Although not significant, a higher percentage of patients in the biologic-naive group compared with the biologic-experienced group reached PASI 75 (79% vs. 63%, P = 0.18), PASI 90 (62% vs. 44%, P = 0.19) and PASI 100 (48% vs. 37%, P = 0.40) at week 4. However, the percentage of PASI 75/90/100 response were similar between the two groups at week 16. Regarding safety, three candidiasis (5%) and one (2%) eczematous reaction were reported, without differences between the two groups. Finally, two (4%) bimekizumab discontinuation because of treatment failure and three (5%) for AEs were collected. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, suggesting that the previous failure of biologics does not seem to affect its therapeutic effectiveness.

Lichen planus following Covid-19 vaccination: a narrative review.

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease that afflicts skin, mucous membranes, cutaneous appendages. Moreover, LP represents a prototype of lichenoid dermatosis, being characterized by the presence of a dense dermal cell infiltrate. Although most cases of LP are idiopathic, infectious and drug-related factors must also be considered in the etiology. In this context, the occurrence of LP and lichenoid drug eruption following different types of vaccination is a possible event. Therefore, the aim of our review is to provide a broad perspective to clinicians by analyzing the current literature cases of LP and lichenoid eruptions following COVID-19 vaccination, also investigating the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. A total of 61 cases of LP and lichenoid eruption following COVID-19 vaccination have been collected. However, the number of cases of LP and lichenoid drug eruption is extremely low if compared to the number of vaccines administered overall, suggesting that the risk of LP and lichenoid eruption following COVID-19 vaccination is extremely low. Certainly, further studies are desirable to identify the population most at risk and the possibility of taking preventive measures.

Viral reactivation following COVID-19 vaccination: a review of the current literature.

Currently, four vaccines for COVID-19 have been licensed by the European Medicines Agency: two viral vector-based vaccines and two mRNA-based vaccines. Since their approval, several cutaneous reactions related to vaccination have been reported in the literature. Among these, viral reactivations are one of the most frequent. The aim of this article was to investigate the current literature regarding viral reactivations following COVID-19 vaccination, focusing attention on pityriasis rosea (PR), herpes zoster and herpes simplex. A comprehensive literature search using various databases was performed and we included metanalyses, reviews, letters to the editor, real-life studies, case series and reports. A total of 48 articles involving 2067 patients were selected. Of these, 32, 6 and 17 articles reported varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation (1758 patients), herpes simplex virus (HSV) (238 patients) onset and PR (71 patients), respectively (some articles discussed more than one of these three reactivations). Possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying viral reactivation are still not understood. Also, the possible correlations between vaccination and viral reactivation should be clarified. Certainly, vaccination should not be discouraged.

Unaddressed Challenges in the Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma?

Background and Objectives: While the management of noninvasive cutaneous melanoma (CM) is typically limited to a secondary excision to reduce recurrence risk and periodic follow-up, treating patients with advanced melanoma presents ongoing challenges. Materials and Methods: This review provides a comprehensive examination of both established and emerging pharmacologic strategies for advanced CM management, offering an up-to-date insight into the current therapeutic milieu. The dynamic landscape of advanced CM treatment is explored, highlighting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, either in monotherapy or combination regimens. Additionally, ongoing investigations into novel treatment modalities are thoroughly discussed, reflecting the evolving nature of melanoma management. Results: The therapeutic landscape for melanoma management is undergoing significant transformation. Although various treatment modalities exist, there remains a critical need for novel therapies, particularly for certain stages of melanoma or cases resistant to current options. Conclusions: Consequently, further studies are warranted to identify new treatment avenues and optimize the utilization of existing drugs.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Elderly Patients: Clinical and Therapeutical Outcomes-A Review of the Literature.

The management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in elderly patients presents unique challenges due to its chronic inflammatory nature, heterogeneous clinical presentation and comorbidities. While HS typically affects the anogenital and intertriginous regions, elderly patients may exhibit atypical features such as the involvement of the neck, mammary area and gluteal region. The prevalence of HS in the elderly population is lower and the average age of disease onset is higher than in patients under 65. In contrast, it is unclear whether HS in the elderly has different clinical features. The elderly frequently present multiple comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which further complicate management decisions. Therapeutic interventions must consider the frailty and increased risk of multimorbidity and adverse events in elderly patients. While systemic antibiotics remain a mainstay of HS treatment, biologic agents such as TNFα inhibitors and secukinumab offer promising options for refractory cases. However, their safety and efficacy in elderly patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, require careful consideration. A comprehensive approach to managing HS in elderly patients involves not only pharmacological interventions but also lifestyle modifications and surgical options where appropriate. Multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, geriatricians and other specialists is essential for tailoring treatment strategies and optimizing long-term outcomes and quality of life in special population.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and JAK Inhibitors: A Review of the Published Literature.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa or Verneuil's disease, is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, and debilitating skin disease of the hair follicles characterized by inflammatory, painful, deep-rooted lesions in the areas of the body characterized by the presence of the apocrine glands. Unfortunately, huge unmet needs still remain for its treatment. Objective: The purpose of our review was collecting all cases, case series, trials, and ongoing studies available in the literature on the use of this class of drugs for HS. Materials and Methods: The investigated manuscripts included trials, reviews, letters to the editor, real-life studies, case series, and reports. Manuscripts were identified, screened, and extracted for the relevant data following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Results: We selected 56 articles of which 25 met the selection criteria for our review. Among the JAK inhibitors to date, there is only one published clinical trial in the literature (Janus kinase 1 inhibitor INCB054707), a real-life study with 15 patients up to week 24 in which upadacitinib was used and a case series where tofacitinib was successfully used. Conversely, there are several ongoing clinical trials. Conclusions: Results to date in the literature show promising levels of efficacy and the safety of JAK inhibitors in HS. Several clinical trials are underway from which it will be very important to compare the available data. There are still too few studies conducted with a low sample size, so it remains critical to investigate this issue further in the future with a real-life study involving a large sample of patients in order to provide safe and viable therapeutic alternatives for HS.

Children atopic dermatitis: Diagnosis, mimics, overlaps, and therapeutic implication.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory, itching skin with a significant psychosocial impact on patients and relatives. In adults and adolescents besides flexural eczema, head and neck eczema, and hand eczema, which are the most frequent clinical phenotypes (84.9% and 84.2%, respectively), there are also other possible presentation such as, portrait-like dermatitis (20.1%), diffuse eczema (6.5%), eczema nummulare-like (5.8%), prurigo nodularis-like (2.1%) and erythrodermia (0.7%). Diagnosis can be easy due to the typically distributed eczematous lesions, albeit with age-related differences, However, it is also extremely heterogeneous in severity, course, and sometimes particular clinical features. Currently, there are no better diagnostic criteria than an experienced dermatologist for the diagnosis of AD. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment will have an impact not only on the child's physical health, but also and especially on the child's psychological health. The aim of our review was to group the main differential diagnoses in pediatric age where the diagnosis can often hide many pitfalls.

Urticaria relapse after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients affected by chronic spontaneous urticaria and treated with antihistamines plus omalizumab: A single-center experience.

Urticaria is a disease characterized by wheals and/or angioedema. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) occurs for longer than 6 weeks and appears independently of any identifiable exogenous stimulus. During the vaccination campaign for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several cutaneous adverse events have been described, among which urticaria lasting less than 6 weeks (acute urticaria, AU). AU due to vaccines can be IgE or non-IgE mediated; the former typically develop within 4 h of drug exposure, the latter occurs later and the mechanism is unclear. In this retrospective study we analyzed the frequency and clinical characteristics of urticaria occurring after COVID-19 vaccine (post-vaccination urticaria relapse) in adult CSU patients treated with antihistamine and omalizumab, and in clinical remission.

Effect of Dupilumab on Sexual Desire in Adult Patients with Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition causing itching skin, with a significant psychosocial impact on patients and relatives. AD affects 15 to 30% of children and 2 to 10% of adults. AD significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL) given the chronicity and symptoms of the disease. Most AD patients have reported that the disease affects daily life, resulting in limited social contact and a strong impact on sexual health (SH), especially in moderate-severe cases. Materials and methods: We performed a prospective study from 1 May 2020 to 1 May 2022; the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of moderate to severe AD on sexual desire, seduction, and partner relationships, and describe how it varies following dupilumab therapy. We used the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2), a validated instrument consisting of 14 items; moreover, we used a second questionnaire with eight items, an unvalidated instrument created specifically for this study, to obtain the assessment of the influence of AD on the body image, sexuality, and self-perception of those affected. Results and Conclusions: The impact of AD on sexual desire assessed using SDI-2 showed a significant improvement in both sexes during dupilumab treatment from the baseline to W4 and W16. Similar results were obtained with our questionnaire.

Onset of vitiligo in a psoriasis patient on ixekizumab.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder clinically characterized by hypopigmentated macules and patches. Psoriasis is a chronic-inflammatory-skin-condition characterized by erythematous-plaques covered with scales particularly over the extensor-surfaces, scalp, and lumbosacral region. Recent major-researches-advancements have significantly expanded our understanding of psoriasis-pathophysiology, resulting in the development of highly effective targeted-therapies, such as anti TNFα, IL-12/23-inhibitors, IL-17-inhibitors, or IL-23-inhibitors. Particularly, ixekizumab, a humanized-monoclonal immunoglobulin-G 4 antibody, specifically binding IL-17A, demonstrated strong efficacy in threating recalcitrant psoriasis. Nevertheless, paradoxical reactions due to IL-17 inhibitors have been described. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian man who obtained complete skin clearance of psoriasis plaques after 16 weeks of ixekizumab treatment together with the appearance of vitiligo patches localized on the facial area. He had never suffered of vitiligo and his family history excluded vitiligo diagnosis. We also could exclude post inflammatory psoriasis hypopigmentation because of absence of facial involvement at baseline. Our experience suggests that vitiligo might be considered a rare adverse effects of anti-IL-17 therapy.