Prevalence and Clinical Assessment of Skin Lesions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Abstract
This retrospective study analyzes the histopathological patterns of skin lesions in 430 patients with systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE), meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria from 2018-2023. Patient
demographics reveal a mean age of 43.56 years, with a near-equal gender distribution (50.9% male, 49.1%
female). Malar rash (24%) was the most prevalent lesion type, followed by bullous (19.8%), subacute (19.8%),
and discoid rashes (19.1%). Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (mean 30.49 mm/hour) and CRP
(mean 17.43 mg/L) confirmed systemic inflammation. Chi-square analysis indicated significant ethnic
disparities (p < 0.001) and diverse treatment histories (p < 0.001), with cyclophosphamide (21.9%) and
hydroxychloroquine (19.8%) being common. Primary outcomes focused on symptom control (35.6%), lesion
reduction (33.3%), and rash resolution (31.2%). The study underscores the need for tailored therapeutic
approaches based on lesion type and disease progression.
To read full article, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39866998/
Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of the Pakistani Population Toward the Monkeypox Pandemic and the Associated Factors
Abstract
Monkeypox (Mpox) is a virulent disease caused by orthopoxvirus. Mpox is emerging as a major global health
threat. Currently, more than 100 countries are facing outbreaks. Pakistan, too, is witnessing the spread of
this virus, with 11 confirmed cases and one death since its first detection in April 2023. Mpox infection can
be diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and treated with antiviral agents. The smallpox vaccine
is also proven to be effective against Mpox.
Methodology
This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors (KAB) of the Pakistani
population toward the Mpox pandemic and determine the factors affecting it. Data were collected through
Google Forms using a validated questionnaire to assess the population’s KAB. In total, 1,511 individuals
were included in the final analysis.
Results
Study participants had good knowledge of the disease, poor attitude toward Mpox risk and severity, and poor
behavior with low adherence to recommended protocols. Overall, 58% (n = 888) of the participants were
male, and most of the respondents were aged between 18 and 30 years (n = 743, 49.2%). Most participants
were married (n = 983, 65.1%), from urban areas (n = 837, 55.4%), and living in shared households (n = 876,
58%). Age showed a significant relationship with knowledge level and behavior, but not with attitude. The
18-30-year age group demonstrated higher knowledge levels (p = 0.007), regardless of gender. Shared
households were significantly associated with a higher incidence of good knowledge (p < 0.05) compared to
independent households (p = 0.038). Additionally, higher income was linked to better attitudes and
behaviors. KAB outcomes also varied significantly based on marital status, individual education level, and
parents’ education levels.
Conclusions
Population dynamics such as cultural norms, religious beliefs, misperceptions about the disease associated
with sexual behavior, health literacy, education level, rural and urban division of the population, gender
role, migrant and refugee population, poverty, cost-seeking healthcare, and distrust in the government and
healthcare system should be considered when constructing a public health policy because the behavior of the
population is important for the implementation of preventive measures.
To read more follow, https://www.cureus.com/articles/227962-knowledge-attitude-and-behavior-of-the-pakistani-population-toward-the-monkeypox-pandemic-and-the-associated-factors.pdf
Safety and Efficacy of Microneedling Procedure in Treating Warts: Retrospective Analysis
Abstract
Introduction: Warts are one of the most prevalent viral disorders that affect
epidermal keratinocytes and are cutaneous signs of human papilloma virus
infection. Warts are usually slow-growing and self-limiting, but treatment is
required because of the possibility of transmission, aesthetic effect of the
warts, psychological impact, excruciating pain, and disfiguring effects.
Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of 130 patients with warts
to determine the effectiveness and safety of the needling procedure and the
factors that could affect the outcomes. Results: In total, 130 patients were
included in this study. Females made the major section (70.8%) of the study
population, and the mean age of the study sample was 24.14 ± 5.9 years. The
number of lesions ranged from single to 75. Time for the warts being
symptomatic to present to clinic was 1 to 15 weeks, and 16.9% patients had
pain when they presented to clinic. The sole (33.8%) and toes (17.7%) of
feet were the most common sites of warts. The duration for which the patient
had been symptomatic and the symptom of pain at presentation were
significant factors for healing (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Needling procedures
are still effective method for treating warts; in our study, 64.62% participants
out of 130 showed improvement at certain level. Person perception and
patient satisfaction were subjective.
To read more, https://induspublishers.com/IJBR/article/view/267
Safety and Efficacy of Fixed-Dose Combination of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Vulgaris Treatment: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Abstract
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2020 ranked acne vulgaris as the eighth most common skin condition,
with a global estimated prevalence of 9.4%. The clinical presentation of acne vulgaris ranges from
comedones to nodules and cysts. The main treatment options for acne are retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl
peroxide (BPO). This study aimed to evaluate the reported efficacy and safety of the combination treatment
with retinoid and benzoyl peroxide.
Three databases (ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed) were searched using keywords such as acne,
adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, and randomized controlled trial, and specific search moods such as “Title and
abstract” for PubMed and “Title, abstract, and keywords” for ScienceDirect. On Google Scholar, the
“allintitle” option was utilized. The articles were searched for the years between 2003 and 2023.
The eight trials selected for systematic review reported randomized controlled trials in 4,596 individuals
with the first trials being conducted in February 2007 and the last one in May 2022. There were 52.8%
females in the trials, and the trials reported a primary reduction of acne lesions (efficacy) from 27.5% to
70.2%. The occurrence of adverse effects was also variable (ranging from 2.7% to 57.9%), but these effects
were mild and vanished with time.
The results showed that the combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is a safe and effective
treatment.
To read more, https://www.cureus.com/articles/229874#!/metrics
Impact of Laser Therapy on the Quality of Life in Women Living With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome- Associated Hirsutism: An Observational Study
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to observe the impact of laser-assisted hair removal (LAHR) on the quality of
life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-associated hirsutism.
Methodology: An observational study was conducted on 172 women living with PCOS at a specialized clinic.
The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score were employed to assess the
quality of life and severity of hirsutism, respectively. Laser therapy was administered using ruby diode or
alexandrite lasers. Follow-up on the DLQI and FG score assessment was done at 12-, 18-, and 24-week post-
treatment.
Results: The number of cases that reported stress, anxiety, and depression reduced over time. However,
there was no correlation between the patient-reported decrease and DLQI scores. The FG score was
significantly related to mental health. The severity of the hirsutism impacted mental health. The regrowth of
hair at six months indicated limited long-term efficacy LAHR.
Conclusion: LAHR significantly improves the quality of life in the short term for women living with PCOS.
However, the short-term benefit of the therapy indicates a need for research to find new treatment
strategies. To read more, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38813070/
determination of accuracy of slit skin smear in diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis as compared to skin biopsy for histopathology
Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is the most common form of Leishmaniasis. Its diagnosis is based on clinical appearance and history of visit to endemic areas but confirmation is through demonstration of the leishmania tropica bodies in sores. This can be achieved by various smears like slit skin smears, saline aspirate smears, scalpel scrapping by using a dental broch, by fine-needle aspiration, impression smears of skin biopsy specimens and skin biopsy.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine accuracy of slit skin smears in diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis as compared to skin biopsy for histopathology.
DOI:
To compare the efficacy of 0.1% tacrolimus versus mometasone furate topical treatment of allergic contact hand eczema
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of 0.1% tacrolimus versus mometasone furate topical treatment of allergic contact hand eczema.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S07.373
To determine the mean change in serum vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients undergoing NBUVB phototherapy
Abstract
Background Vitiligo is a common, acquired, often heritable, multifactorial pigmentary disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Vitamin D is a fat soluble essential hormone synthesized in the skin on exposure to ultraviolet B present in the sunlight. It plays its role in calcium homeostasis as well as in immunoregulation. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in vitiligo patients, who seem to improve with NBUVB treatment. Objective To determine the mean change in serum vitamin D levels in patients of vitiligo after narrow band ultraviolet B therapy. Study design Quasi experimental. Settings Dermatology Department, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, E9, Islamabad. Duration of study Study was carried out over a period of six months from 10-05-2017 to 09-11-2017. Subjects and Methods A total of 30 patients were included in this study. Serum vitamin D level was analyzed at baseline in all the patients who planned to undergo Narrow Band Ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo. The phototherapy was given for 8 weeks and vitamin D levels were measured again. Results Mean age of the patients was 32.77±10.68 years. There were 18 males (60%) and 12 females (40%). Pre-treatment serum vitamin D levels were 25.97±16.10 nmol/l while post-treatment serum vitamin D levels were 39.07±15.67 nmol/l (p<0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, low vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients were improved after narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy, which may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.
To read more, https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/1350