Mucocutaneous mycoses in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: To date, integrated care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has improved. However, although the management of mucocutaneous mycosis cases has improved, disease progression might be different in immunocompromised patients, which leads to variable clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of mucocutaneous mycosis cases in the PLHIV population and its associated factors in Indonesia. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 in four academic hospitals. Data were acquired from medical records with the inclusion of mucocutaneous mycosis patients with concurrent HIV infection. Analysis with the chi-squared test was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 1,796 cases of mucocutaneous mycoses were identified in 1782 PLHIV. The most common types of infection were candidiasis (63%), followed by dermatophytosis (35.1%), and malasseziosis (1.9%), which were significantly higher in PLHIV with CD4 level <200 cells/mm3 . The proportions of male gender (78.6% vs. 56.3%, p < .001), high level of education (48.0% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), office workers (73.8% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), combination of topical and systemic antifungal agents (59.1% vs. 48.5%, p = .006) and not receiving antiretroviral therapy (63.2% vs. 7.8%, p < .001) were significantly higher in PLHIV with a CD4 level <200 cells/mm3 . CONCLUSION: In Indonesia, the most common fungal infection in PLHIV is candidiasis. This study also addressed the important matters regarding mucocutaneous mycoses in PLHIV. Education is an important measure to prevent the incidence of cutaneous mycoses in PLHIV, especially in high-risk groups.

Clinico-laboratory findings of Malassezia folliculitis in Indonesia: A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Malassezia folliculitis (MF) is a humid-favoured fungal skin disease caused by Malassezia species. Inaccurate treatments, changes in skin flora and disease exacerbation are often occurred due to oversights in the diagnosis. Several diagnostic methods are established for MF. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinico-laboratory findings of Malassezia folliculitis in Indonesia. METHODS: The study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 in seven referral teaching hospitals. Medical records of MF-diagnosed patients were obtained and analysed using the binomial test, chi-square test and Cohen's Kappa coefficient in SPSS 26.0. RESULTS: A total of 353 cases of MF were identified in seven referral teaching hospitals in Indonesia, 66.3% of which were males and 33.7% were females, dominated by the 17-25 years old group (44.5%). Itchy sensation (83.9%) was a major subjective complaint. Lesions were majorly found on the trunk-chest, back and shoulder (68.3%), while the clinical manifestation are mostly follicular papule-pustular lesions (62.1%). Patients were 87.4% positive by KOH examination (modified Jacinto Jamora's criteria) and 69.1% positive by Wood's lamp. Generally, sex, age, subjective complaint, lesion location, clinical manifestation and both examinations were statistically significant (p < .001). A significant relationship between all the clinical criteria of the patients in the KOH especially the clinical manifestation was significantly related to Wood's lamp. The Cohen's Kappa assessment suggested that there was an agreement between KOH and Wood's lamp (κ = -0.272, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The clinical symptoms of Malassezia folliculitis are dominated by pruritus, papulopustular follicular lesions on the trunk and the presence of spore load.

Identification and Validation of Entrustable Professional Activities in Indonesian Internal Medicine Residency Programs.

BACKGROUND: Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are tasks entrusted to students who assist supervisors in determining their competencies. However, the competencies required and the end-educational stage in which each EPA item is assigned have yet to be determined by the stakeholders of internal medicine residency programs in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify and determine the activities in internal medicine residency programs which could be defined as EPAs in the competency-based curriculum of Indonesian internal medicine residency programs. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to identify activities which could be examined as EPA items in Indonesian internal medicine residency programs, which were then validated by 10 educational experts. Two rounds of the Delphi method were conducted with participants consisting of the Indonesian Board of Internal Medicine professionals, residency program directors, internal medicine specialists, and internal medicine residents to evaluate the importance of the identified EPA items. The EPA items were rated on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, and their variances were analyzed. The participants also rated the end-educational stage appropriate for each EPA item. The effect size was calculated between groups as (1) small, <0.3; (2) moderate, approximately 0.5; and (3) large, >0.8. RESULTS: The literature review identified 29 modified items from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPS) and three items from other academically developed EPA designs. The expert discussion resulted in the validation of 28 EPA items (out of the 32 items in the initial EPA draft). All 28 items were accepted after two rounds of the Delphi method, and a decrease in their variances was found. CONCLUSION: This study formulated 28 EPA items for Indonesian internal medicine residency programs. Further collaboration between the Board of Internal Medicine and residency program directors will be needed for the application of these EPA items at each residency year.

Prognostic factors influencing the treatment outcome of onychomycosis Candida.

Onychomycosis contributes as many as half of all nail disorder cases. In 2017, the incidence of onychomycosis was 15% of all dermatomycosis cases at our hospital, a tertiary hospital in Indonesia, with only 25% of the patients achieving mycological cure. This study aims to identify the prognostic factors influencing the treatment outcome of onychomycosis Candida. This is a retrospective study, using data obtained from outpatient registry at our hospital. Fifty-four onychomycosis patients were included in this study. Potential prognostic factors were analysed by STATA15.0. Retrospective analysis with cox proportional-hazard was used to measure the contribution of each variable to the treatment's outcome. Onset of disease, history of nail disorder, and site of infection were not associated with mycological cure (P > .05). Based on retrospective analysis, age[odds ratio (OR)1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI)1.07-2.03], onset of disease (OR 1.14; 95%CI 1.11-1.17), comorbidities (OR 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.11), type of onychomycosis (OR 1.08; 95%CI 1.05-1.16), site of infection (OR 1.12; 95%CI 1.04-1.22) and number of infected nails (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.25-1.68) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcome, while type of treatment and type of systemic agents showed no significant association with the outcome. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that subjects elderly age and more than 3 infected nails had the lowest median survival. Elderly, longer onset, presence of comorbidities, multiple sites of infection, and high number of infected nails can affect the mycological cure negatively. Unstandardised treatment was associated with the mycological cure despite not affecting the prognosis. Therefore, the management's goal is to identify these specific prognostic features.

Talaromycosis clinically and histopathologically mimicking histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient.

Talaromycosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei (formerly Penicillium marneffei) endemic in South and Southeast Asia. Its clinical similarity with other dimorphic fungal infections (sometimes) make the diagnosis challenging. We report an immunocompromised patient with talaromycosis mimicking histoplamosis. A 26-year-old HIV-positive man had suffered from rashes over the face, trunk, and extremities for three months. His physical examination showed centrally necrotic, ulcerated papules and nodules. A biopsied papule revealed granulomas containing numerous oval, yeast-like cells, some displaying central septation. Saboraud agar culture grew mold with diffuse red pigment consistent with T. marneffei. Careful histopathological examination and microbiological culture are important for the accurate diagnosis of fungal infections.

Association between serum level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and plasma level of vitamin D receptor with bacteriological index in leprosy patients.

Macrophages respond against Mycobacterium leprae infection through interacting with vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR). There has been no study analyzing the association between vitamin D and VDR with bacteriological index (BI) in leprosy patients in Indonesia. To analyze the serum level of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and plasma level of VDR as well as their association with BI in leprosy patients in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study. Serum level of 25(OH)D was assessed with in vitro chemiluminescent immunoassay. Plasma level of VDR was assessed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Median serum level of 25(OH)D was 12.68 ng/mL. There was no correlation between serum level of 25(OH)D and BI (r=0.033; p=0.869). Median plasma level of VDR was 1.36 ng/mL. There was no correlation between plasma level of VDR and BI (r=- 0.063; p=0.749) and no significant association between BI and serum level of 25(OH) and plasma level of VDR (R2=0.055). There was no association between serum level of 25(OH)D and plasma level of VDR with BI in leprosy patients.

The Comparison of Sun Protection Factor 30 Persistence Between Inorganic and Organic Sunscreen in Swimmers: Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-term sun exposure is one of the risks faced by outdoor swimmers and can cause sunburn. Using sunscreen is one way to prevent sunburn; however, physical activity can trigger sweat, friction, and water washing that can interfere with sunscreen efficacy and decrease its sun protection factor (SPF). Sunscreens are classified into inorganic and organic based on their filter. Organic sunscreen has a better bond to the skin than inorganic sunscreen, which forms a barrier above the skin layer that makes removing it easier. Organic sunscreen lasts longer than inorganic sunscreen when used in physical activities, but it has a limited spectrum, is more photolabile, and is more allergenic. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the persistency of SPF 30 between inorganic and organic sunscreens on the back area after 1.5 hours of swimming. METHODS: This study is a randomized, split-body, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the persistency of SPF 30 of the inorganic versus organic sunscreens in swimmers. Randomization was done to allocate the participants into treatment groups. Each participant received inorganic and organic sunscreen treatments applied to the back area. The research participants were swimmers from the Cikini swimming pool and Bina Taruna swimming pool, both in Jakarta, Indonesia. RESULTS: A total of 22 swimmers were enrolled in this study. The analysis showed no significant difference between the SPF of the two sunscreens before swimming (P=.22). After swimming, the SPF levels of both sunscreens decreased: the inorganic sunscreen decreased from a median of 27 (range 23-47) to 12.3 (range 8-19), and the organic sunscreen decreased from a median of 30 (range 24-47) to 9.9 (range 6-19), which was statistically significant (P<.001). When comparing the SPF of inorganic and organic sunscreens after swimming, there was a statistically significant difference in the decrease in SPF levels between the two groups (P=.02), which indicated a better SPF persistence for inorganic sunscreens when compared to organic sunscreens. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in the SPF levels of inorganic and organic sunscreens after 1.5 hours of swimming, with better persistence in inorganic sunscreens compared to organic sunscreens. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04618536; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04618536. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/42504.

Scalp microbiome of healthy women wearing hijab compared to those not wearing hijab: a cross-sectional study.

Use of hijab can influence the scalp's condition, including its microbiome. To date there has been no study comparing scalp microbiome in women wearing hijab to that in women not wearing hijab. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from August 2019 to April 2021. Healthy women aged 18 years old or older who had not undergone menopause were recruited. Those in the hijab group should wear hijab minimum 8 h a day for at least 5 years. After wash-out period, the sample was collected from the subject's scalp. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed with primer V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA and ITS1 DNA for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were identified, along with functional analysis. Actinobacteria and Ascomycota were the most dominant phyla on the scalp. S. capitis was more prominent in the hijab group while S. cohnii was more prominent in non-hijab group. Additionally, M. restricta was more common in hijab group while M. globosa was more common in non-hijab group. This study emphasizes the difference of scalp microbiome in women wearing hijab compared to women not wearing hijab, which indicated that women wearing hijab are more prone to seborrheic dermatitis.

Efficacy of 5% permethrin-2% fusidic acid cream compared to 5% permethrin-placebo in the treatment of impetiginized scabies.

INTRODUCTION: Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, often causing secondary bacterial infections, especially by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Permethrin 5% cream is the first-line of treatment that is recommended, combined with Fusidic acid 2% cream as the first-line topical antibiotic. We investigated the efficacy of a combination of permethrin 5% cream and fusidic acid 2% cream for the treatment of impetiginized scabies. METHODOLOGY: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was organized at two Islamic boarding schools in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Forty subjects were randomly allocated into the intervention group (permethrin 5% and fusidic acid 2%; n = 20), and the control group (permethrin 5% and placebo; n = 20). Treatment efficacy was determined through the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus and pain, and by examining bacterial cultures. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy in the intervention group was higher than in the control group on day 7 (80% vs. 35%) and day 14 (95% vs 35%, p ≤ 0.001, RR 2.714) with decreasing VAS for pruritus (p = 0.04) and pain (p = 0.035). The most common bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus. Some minor adverse effects such as itch and heat occurred temporarily. CONCLUSIONS: Treating impetiginized scabies with permethrin 5% and fusidic acid 2% cream is more effective than treating with only 5% premethrin. The most common bacterium causing secondary infection in impetiginized scabies is Staphylococcus aureus.

The Dermoscopic Features of Photoaging and Its Association with Sun Index Score in the Coastal Population at Cilincing, Jakarta: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Repeated exposure to ultraviolet light is the most significant factor that contributes to photoaging. Dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) is a noninvasive examination utilized for the diagnosis of photoaging. However, there has been no study analyzing the correlation between DPAS and sun index. Hence, this study aims to find out the dermoscopic features of photoaging and its association with sun index score in the coastal population. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on individuals living in Cilincing, a coastal area, at North Jakarta. Healthy male or female subjects aged over 18 years old with sun exposure equal or more than 2 hours daily were recruited consecutively. History taking was performed to document the sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, skin type, smoking habit) and sun index score. Physical examination and dermoscopic examination were conducted to determine DPAS score. Associations of DPAS and photoaging profiles were analyzed with Chi-squared test while correlation between DPAS score and sun index was analyzed with Pearson correlation test. Results: A total of 100 subjects were included in this study. The median DPAS of the subjects was 9 (1-21). Right cheek had the highest median DPAS of 3 (0-6), followed by the left cheek with median DPAS of 3 (0-7). Men had a higher median DPAS score than women (9 vs 8). There was a significant difference between DPAS score and age (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between DPAS score and sun index (r = -0.005; p = 0.957). Conclusion: Factors associated with high DPAS score were cheek predilection, male, actively smoking, Fitzpatrick skin type IV, and increasing age. DPAS score has no correlation with sun index.

Scabies: update on treatment and efforts for prevention and control in highly endemic settings.

Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei infestation which can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. WHO classified scabies as a neglected tropical disease. The prevalence of scabies is high in certain countries ranging from 32.1% to 74%, especially in crowded conditions such as prisons, boarding schools, and orphanages. Indonesia is one of the most heavily affected countries worldwide. Scabies might cause great impact on patients, which includes decreased concentration and academic achievement at school, social stigma, sleep disturbances, and decreased economic productivity in community. Management of scabies with anti-scabies needs to be carried out appropriately, accompanied with treatment for all contacts. Mass treatment with permethrin cream or ivermectin can be given directly to patients. Prevention is conducted by providing medical treatment and breaking the chain of transmission. Source elimination and disinfection of fomites is very important. Participation of non-medical personnel such as teachers, cadres, and parents together with the local health workers (primary health care) is highly recommended. Using checklists or application can aid non-medical personnel to determine suspected cases, thus contributing to scabies elimination. Cooperation between patients, patient's family, health workers and other non-medical personnel will greatly reduce the prevalence of scabies and ultimately improve patient's quality of life. The aim of this review is to provide an update on scabies treatment and efforts for prevention and elimination, with focus on the situation in Indonesia.

Tuberculous Dactylitis in a Case of Multiple Scrofuloderma.

This paper reports a case of tuberculous dactylitis and multiple scrofuloderma spreading through the lymph nodes. Scrofuloderma, also known as tuberculosis colliquativa cutis, is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) that occurs most often in children and young adults and involves the skin over the infection focus (i.e., lymph nodes, bones, or joints). Scrofuloderma can affect the lower limbs and upper arms by spreading osteomyelitis TB on the humerus, wrist, and elbow. This study reports the case of a 19-year-old man who initially developed painful and swollen skin, followed by the appearance of numerous recurring lumps on the left arm and hand and the right foot, as well as the folding right hamstring, over 3 years. The patient had no clinical improvement with antibiotics and excision. Radiography of the left hand showed tuberculous dactylitis. A biopsy of the left arm was performed, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining showed acid-fast bacilli. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anti-TB drug treatment was initiated with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, and debridement was performed on the left hand, which resulted in significant improvement of the lesion. Atypical clinical manifestations and unawareness of M. tuberculosis as an underlying disease delayed the diagnosis and treatment of this patient with tuberculous dactylitis and multiple scrofuloderma.

Comparison of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 Persistence Between Inorganic and Organic Sunscreen in Swimmers: Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized, Noninferiority, Split-Body, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Outdoor swimming athletes are often exposed to undesirable environmental conditions such as long-term sun exposure. The risk of sunburn can still occur in this population due to the loss of sunscreen and an increase in the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays, particularly ultraviolet B, in wet conditions. Some previous trials showed that organic sunscreens had a longer shelf-life than inorganic sunscreens after exercise due to their characteristics to bind better with the skin layer. Meanwhile, inorganic sunscreens tend to form layers on the skin's surface so that they can be more easily removed. To our knowledge, no studies evaluate sunscreens' resistance, either inorganic or organic, after exercising in Indonesia. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the persistence of inorganic versus organic sunscreens used by swimmers. The primary objective is to assess whether the inorganic sunscreen is as good as the organic sunscreen in the field of the persistence of sunscreens after swimming for 1.5 hours. METHODS: This study is a randomized, split-body, double-blind, noninferiority, and multicenter clinical trial in Cikini, Jakarta, Indonesia. An estimated 22 athletes in each group, who aged 18-40 years and practice in the morning or afternoon, will be randomized using a computer-generated randomization method. We calculated the sample size using the difference in the average decrease in sun protection factor (SPF) levels that is considered significant based on the clinical judgment set by the researchers, which was 5. Neither the research subjects nor the researchers are aware of the type of sunscreen that will be applied. The hypothesis will be tested using paired-sample t test or Wilcoxon to assess the difference of SPF levels in each group between organic and inorganic sunscreens with SPSS (version 20.0; IBM Corp). RESULTS: This study has been approved by the Ethical Committee Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia and is funded by the International Publication Grant from Universitas Indonesia. The enrollment process was completed in December 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This study will test all procedures in preparation for conducting the main study, including several potential obstacles and challenges from the perspective of participating physicians and eligible swimmers. The study results will be disseminated through publications in a peer-reviewed journal with Open Access format. This study will provide information about SPF 30 persistence in sunscreens and the best type of sunscreen to be used while swimming, particularly for athletes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04618536; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04618536?term=NCT04618536. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/42504.

Applicability of Trichoscopy in Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic-recidive inflammatory skin disorder with predilection in areas rich of sebaceous gland. The most common clinical manifestations are pruritus and scales. Although SD can be diagnosed without special tools, other examinations may be needed to determine additional specific therapy. Trichoscopy is one of the noninvasive tools which can help to diagnose SD as it can provide the microstructure view of the scalp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted to explore the trichoscopic features of SD and its characteristics. There were 96 SD patients enrolled in this study. The scalp was divided into four areas, and each area was scored based on Seborrheic Area Severity Index, comprising erythema, desquamation, number of papules, and percentage of lesion area. The most severe area was examined with a trichoscopy to observe the characteristics of hair and scalp. The association between trichoscopic findings and SD severity was analyzed with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Overall, the participants were 36% males and 64% females with the mean age of 30 (13-70) years old. Based on the trichoscopic examination, the most common findings were thick hair shafts (72%), white scales (69%), arborizing thin vessels (38%), yellowish area (36%), and structureless red area (19%). These findings were not significantly different between mild and moderate SD (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the merits and demerits of trichoscopic examination, it can be helpful to aid the diagnosis of SD. Further studies in Asian population with greater sample size are needed to demonstrate more significant result.

Treatment of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Asia: A Consensus Guide.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is common in Asia. Its prevalence is estimated to be 1-5% in adults. However, larger population-based studies into the epidemiology of SD in Asia are lacking, and the aetiology of SD may differ widely from Western countries and in different parts of Asia. In addition, clinically significant differences between Asian and Caucasian skin have been reported. There is a need to define standardized clinical diagnostic criteria and/or a grading system to help determine appropriate treatments for SD within Asia. With this in mind, experts from India, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Italy convened to define the landscape of SD in Asia at a meeting held in Singapore. The consensus group developed a comprehensive algorithm to aid clinicians to recommend appropriate treatment of SD in both adults and children. In most cases, satisfactory therapeutic results can be accomplished with topical antifungal agents or topical corticosteroids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents with antifungal properties have been shown to be a viable option for both acute and maintenance therapy.