Randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy and safety of 0.5% colchicine cream versus photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate in the treatment of skin field cancerization: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The primary clinical manifestation of skin field cancerization is the presence of actinic keratoses (AKs). Current treatments for AKs related to skin field cancerization include photodynamic therapy (PDT) and colchicine. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.5% colchicine cream versus PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL-PDT) in the treatment of skin field cancerization. METHODS: In a randomized controlled and open clinical trial with a blind histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, 36 patients with up to 10 AKs on their forearms will be included from the outpatient clinic. The forearms will be randomized into two groups, clinically evaluated and biopsied for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (p53 and Ki67). One forearm will be treated with 0.5% colchicine cream for 10 days, and the other forearm will receive one session of MAL-PDT; the forearms will subsequently be reassessed clinically and histologically after 60 days (T60) of treatment. The primary endpoint will be the point of complete clearance of AKs in T60. The sample size will enable a detection in the reduction of over 10% in AK counts between the groups with power of 0.9 and an alpha of 0.05, accounting for an estimated dropout rate of 10%, resulting in 36 patients (72 forearms). All participants included in the randomized study will be part of the analysis, and the final outcomes of any dropouts will be the value of their last visit (LOCF). The statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS 22.0, and a p value < 5% will be considered to be significant. DISCUSSION: It is expected that colchicine will be superior to MAL-PDT in reducing AKs and in the skin field cancerization, and there will be good tolerability in both groups. Colchicine intervention is novel in that it provides a new alternative to MAL-PDT. Moreover, this drug is inexpensive that may be a potential treatment of skin field cancerization that can be prescribed in public health systems with good results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered in Brazilian Registry for Clinical Trials (Registration number: RBR-8y3sj9 , date assigned May 4, 2016, retrospectively registered).

Cardiovascular events associated with thalidomide and prednisone in leprosy type 2 reaction.

BACKGROUND: Thalidomide is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 leprosy reactions and is often associated with corticosteroids. The use of these drugs in multiple myeloma is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events, but there have been few studies assessing this risk in leprosy patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with multibacillary leprosy and their correlation with the use of thalidomide and prednisone. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy treated at the Dermatology Service between 2012 and 2022, using electronic medical records. Thromboembolic vascular events, both arterial and venous, including acute myocardial infarction, were considered. The main independent variable was the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were included, of which 19 used thalidomide and prednisone concomitantly. There were five cardiovascular events (26.3%), three of which of deep venous thrombosis. The combined use of medications was associated with the events (PR=6.46 [3.92 to 10.65]; p<0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Small number of events, single-center retrospective study. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of an association between cardiovascular events and the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone is supported, but more robust prospective studies are required for a better assessment.

Armadillo meat intake was not associated with leprosy in a case control study, Curitiba (Brazil).

Leprosy's progression and its maintained endemic status, despite the availability of effective treatments, are not fully understood and recent studies have highlighted the possibility of involved Mycobacterium leprae ambient reservoirs. Wild armadillos can carry leprosy and, because their meat is eaten by humans, development of the disease among armadillo meat consumers has been investigated. This study evaluated the frequency of armadillo meat intake among leprosy patients as well as age and gender matched controls with other skin diseases from a dermatological unit. Armadillo meat consumption among both groups was adjusted by demographic and socioeconomic covariates based on a conditional multiple logistic regression model. One hundred twenty-one cases and 242 controls were evaluated; they differed in socioeconomic variables such as family income, hometown population and access to treated water. The multivariate analysis did not show an association between the intake of armadillo meat and leprosy (odds ratio = 1.07; CI 95% 0.56-2.04), even when only cases with no known contacts were analyzed. We conclude that leprosy is not associated with the intake of armadillo meat in these patients.

Extensive pyoderma gangrenosum-like lesions revealing a case of hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia: when to suspect it?

Hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia is a rare inflammatory disease caused by a mutation in the PSTPIP1 gene, with a dysregulation of calprotectin metabolism. Calprotectin is a zinc-binding protein with antimicrobial properties and pro-inflammatory action. The authors report the case of a 20 year-old girl with cutaneous ulcers comparable with pyoderma gangrenosum, growth failure and chronic anemia, who was given the diagnosis of hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia. Measurement of serum zinc and calprotectin concentrations are indicated in these cases.

Aversion caused by skin diseases - a crowdsourcing study.

BACKGROUND: Disgust is a universal emotion that plays a role in reducing people's exposure to situations with risks of contamination. By the same token, skin diseases could generate aversion in observers. The present study aimed to assess the aversion triggered when viewing skin disease lesions on the face and hands. METHODS: A questionnaire was applied over the Internet containing demographic questions, assessment of personal sensitivity to disgust - by the Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) -, and the aversion triggered when viewing eight images of skin diseases using an image aversion score (IAS) ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Six-hundred forty-nine people responded, 49% female, with a median age of 26 (p25-p75: 22-34). A total of 2596 evaluations of images were collected. The overall IAS median was 2 (0-4), and Cronbach's alpha resulted 0.87. There was a significant correlation between DS-R and IAS (Spearman's rho = 0.42; P < 0.01). Seven-hundred twenty-four (28%) evaluations were considered as contagious diseases and received higher IAS: 5 (2-7) × 1 (0-3); P < 0.01. In multivariate analysis, the higher IAS was independently associated with male gender, with no children, not working as a health professional or caregiver, and presenting higher DS-R (P < 0.01). By analyzing the IAS according to morphological characteristics, we identified lower scores for macular dyschromic lesions (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The aversion triggered by skin lesions varies according to the personal characteristics of the observer and the morphology of the lesion, being lower for macular dyschromic lesions, and associated with disgust sensitivity and the assignment of contagiousness to the lesion.

Clinical manifestations and quality of life in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: survey of participants from an internet support group.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex and infrequent autoinflammatory disease that impacts on quality of life. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, which limits the development of curative treatments. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical and quality of life aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa patients from a social group on the Internet. METHODS: A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey study among participants in a discussion group (Facebook) of individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire about clinical-demographic aspects and quality of life (DLQI-BRA). RESULTS: A total of 390 individuals agreed to participate in the study, 82% of them female, median age (p25-p75), of 31 (25-37) years old, disease onset at 15 (13-23) years, family member affected in 20% of cases, overweight (BMI 29 [25-33]) kg/m2 and severe impact on quality of life (DLQI 20 [13-25]). Regarding Hurley's classification, the participants provided information that enabled classification into: I (19%), II (52%) and III (29%). More severe cases were associated with males (OR = 1.69), higher weight (BMI: OR = 1.03) non-white color (OR = 1.43) and higher frequency of other autoinflammatory diseases (OR = 1.37). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Voluntary adherence survey with self-completion of the questionnaire by 390 from about 1600 group members. CONCLUSIONS: Hidradenitis suppurativa patients who participated in a social network group had onset of the disease after puberty, with a predominance in females and overweight people, with great impact on the quality of life.

Contribution to characterization of skin field cancerization activity: morphometric, chromatin texture, proliferation, and apoptosis aspects.

BACKGROUND: A skin field cancerization is a cutaneous area with subclinical changes resultant from chronic sun exposure, with a higher predisposition to development of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. So far, there are no well-defined objective parameters that can indicate their degree of activity. OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare morphometric aspects and expression of factors related to apoptosis and cell proliferation in actinic keratosis (AK), in both photoexposed and photoprotected epidermis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patients with actinic keratosis in the forearms, biopsied at two points: the actinic keratosis and the axillary region. The biopsies of the actinic keratosis, perilesional area, and axilla were evaluated through keratinocyte intraepithelial neoplasia (KIN), and immunohistochemistry of p53, survivin, and Ki67. Nuclear morphometry of basal layer cells was performed through digital image analysis: entropy, area, perimeter, Ra, fractal dimension, circularity, color intensity, and largest diameter. RESULTS: There were 13 patients included and 38 actinic keratosis biopsied. In morphometry, 1039 nuclei were analyzed, of which 228 represented axillary skin, 396 demonstrated actinic keratosis, and 415 represented the perilesional area to the actinic keratosis. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all variables tested for the topographies evaluated. A significant correlation was identified between nucellar morphometric elements, KIN, proliferation markers, and apoptosis. Joint patterns of p53, Ki67, and KIN discriminated the topographies sampled. STUDY LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study with a small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are patterns of proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and different cellular morphometrics between photoprotected skin and photoexposed skin. The joint expression of p53, Ki67, and KIN can characterize skin field cancerization activity.

Cardiovascular events associated with thalidomide and prednisone in leprosy type 2 reaction

Abstract Background: Thalidomide is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 leprosy reactions and is often associated with corticosteroids. The use of these drugs in multiple myeloma is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events, but there have been few studies assessing this risk in leprosy patients. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with multibacillary leprosy and their correlation with the use of thalidomide and prednisone. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy treated at the Dermatology Service between 2012 and 2022, using electronic medical records. Thromboembolic vascular events, both arterial and venous, including acute myocardial infarction, were considered. The main independent variable was the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone during follow-up. Results: A total of 89 patients were included, of which 19 used thalidomide and prednisone concomitantly. There were five cardiovascular events (26.3%), three of which of deep venous thrombosis. The combined use of medications was associated with the events (PR = 6.46 [3.92 to 10.65]; p<0.01). Study limitations: Small number of events, single-center retrospective study. Conclusion: The hypothesis of an association between cardiovascular events and the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone is supported, but more robust prospective studies are required for a better assessment.

Demodicosis as treatment complication of amicrobial pustulosis of the folds.

Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds is a chronic relapsing neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by sterile pustules compromising skin folds, scalp, face and periorificial regions. It predominantly affects women. Demodicosis is an inflammatory disease associated with cutaneous overpopulation of the mite Demodex spp., the pathogenesis of which is not completely established, but is frequently related to local immunodeficiency. A case of a young woman with amicrobial pustulosis of the folds, and isolated worsening of facial lesions, is reported; investigation revealed overlapping demodicosis. There was complete regression of lesions with acaricide and cyclin treatment. This case warns of a poorly diagnosed but disfiguring and stigmatizing disease, often associated with underlying dermatoses or inadvertent treatments on the face.

Initial basal cell carcinomas diagnosed in the National Campaign for Skin Cancer Prevention are smaller than those identified by the conventional medical referral system.

BACKGROUND:: Basal cell carcinoma is the malignant tumor most often diagnosed in the National Campaign for Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP). Little is known about the profile of these lesions compared to the profile of lesions diagnosed by conventional routes of public dermatological care. OBJECTIVE:: To identify if basal cell carcinomas identified in prevention campaigns and referred to surgery are smaller than those routinely removed in a same medical institution. METHODS:: Cross-sectional study including tumors routed from 2011-2014 campaigns and 84 anatomopathological reports of outpatients. RESULTS:: The campaigns identified 223 individuals with suspicious lesions among 2,531 examinations (9%), with 116 basal cell carcinomas removed. Anatomopathological examinations revealed that the primary lesions identified in the national campaigns were smaller than those referred to surgery by the conventional routes of public health care (28 [13-50] x 38 [20-113] mm2, p <0.01). On the other hand, after a mean follow-up of 15.6 ± 10.3 months, 31% of cases identified in campaigns showed new basal cell carcinoma lesions. STUDY LIMITATIONS:: Retrospective study and inaccuracies in the measurements of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS:: The NCSCP promotes an earlier treatment of basal cell carcinomas compared to patients referred to surgery by the conventional routes of public health care, which can result in lower morbidity rates and better prognosis.

Incidence, clinical manifestations and clipping of nail psoriasis in the dermatology center of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often progresses with nail alterations. It is suspected that there is a correlation between nail psoriasis and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, seeming to serve as a predictor. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the profile of patients with nail psoriasis and correlate the presence of nail alterations with psoriatic arthritis, quality of life, extent of psoriasis and the histopathology of the nail. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study with 40 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and without systemic treatment. The patient profile was researched, including quality of life and evaluated for the presence of psoriatic arthritis. The severity of the skin psoriasis and the presence of nail lesions were evaluated. Nail fragments were collected and analyzed through clipping. It obtained 100% of positivity for psoriasis in the histopathology exam of the nail plate. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 65% were diagnosed with nail psoriasis. Suggestive findings of psoriatic arthritis in hands were present in 33%, being more frequent in those with nail alteration (p = 0.01). In 92.3% of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the hands there was some nail injury. The most frequent injuries were pitting and onycholysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nail psoriasis are usually men, with worse quality of life and higher chance of psoriatic arthritis. The correlation between the nail involvement of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in hands confirms the association between these two forms. The clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis did not correlate with the histological diagnosis.