Search

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disease characterized by progressive skin depigmentation resulting from an autoimmune response targeting epidermal melanocytes. Few studies have shown specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against Melan -- A which is the most specific marker of melanocytes. There are also other studies which have confirmed the presence of residual melanocytes even in the vitiliginous skin. Objectives: To evaluate the melanocyte content in lesional, perilesional [within 2 cm] and distant normal skin of non- segmental vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 cases of non-segmental were enrolled in the study based on the prevelance of vitiligo in India. After taking informed consent, skin biopsy from the lesional, perilesional and normal skin was sent to pathology for immunohistochemical analysis of melanocyte content in the above zones using Melan -- A marker. Results: All 40 lesional sites were negative for Melan-A staining. The Melan-A positive melanocytes were reduced in immediate perilesional skin compared to distant normal skin. Paired t-test was applied between perilesional skin and normal skin and the result was statistically significant at p<0.001. Conclusion: Melan-A positive residual melanocytes were not present in the lesional skin in our study as opposed to very few studies which confirmed their presence in the vitiliginous skin even in the long standing cases. But there was significant difference between perilesional and normal skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitiligo is a long‐standing progressive autoimmune disease with depigmented macules/patches with significant psychological morbidity to the patients. From being one of the most poorly understood diseases in the past, there has been a rampant advance in determining the molecular and genetic factors influencing the disease process. More light has been shed on the complex intracellular environment and interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. Numerous cytokines and signaling pathways have been associated with disease pathogenesis in the recent past. Objective: The aim of this review the efficacy of biologic and targeted therapeutics in vitiligo. Methods: A detailed literature search was conducted on databases like PubMed, COCHRANE Central, EMBASE and Google Scholar using keywords—"biologics," "vitiligo," "treatment," "repigmentation," "JAK inhibitors,", "TNF‐ꭤ inhibitors," and "IL17/23 inhibitors," Relevant studies and review articles in English were analyzed in detail and report was written. This article aimed at a comprehensive review of all the biologicals and newer targeted therapeutics tried in vitiligo and their efficacy with an insight into the potential complications arising as a result of the therapy. Results: Most conventional vitiligo treatment modalities are restricted to generalized nonspecific immunosuppressants like topical and oral corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and surgical modalities. There have been reports and studies on the usage of biologicals in treating vitiligo. JAK inhibitors have shown good efficacy in vitiligo; however, it lacks substantial evidence in the form of randomized control trials. Similarly, the use of targeted therapeutics in treating vitiligo is substantiated by limited evidence and requires more randomized trials for further evidence. Conclusion: JAK inhibitors have shown promising results and good tolerability; Adjuvant phototherapy can achieve a superior response compared to monotherapy. Though TNF‐ꭤ has been tried in a few cases, it is best used if vitiligo is present in association with other chronic autoimmune diseases for which it is indicated. More in vitro studies and clinical research are required to understand the pathogenesis clearly, and therapy has to be targeted at specific pathways for a better approach toward vitiligo. Treatment aimed at induction and differentiation of melanocytes may be added to achieve faster repigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disorder of follicular occlusion with pubertal onset that presents as painful inflammatory nodules, sinus tracts, and tunnelling in apocrine-gland-rich areas, such as the axilla, groin, lower back, and buttocks. The disease course is complicated by contractures, keloids, and immobility and is often associated with a low quality of life. It is considered a disorder of follicular occlusion with secondary inflammation, though the exact cause is not known. Management can often be unsatisfactory and challenging due to the chronic nature of the disease and its adverse impact on the quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is key to prompt optimal disease control. The early stages can be managed with medical treatment, but the advanced stages most likely require surgical intervention. Various surgical options are available, depending upon disease severity and patient preference. In this review an evidence-based outline of surgical options for the treatment of HS are discussed. Case reports, case series, cohort studies, case-control studies, and Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT)s available in medical databases regarding surgical options used in the treatment of HS were considered for the review presented in a narrative manner in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatology, being a predominantly visual‐based diagnostic field, has found itself to be at the epitome of artificial intelligence (AI)‐based advances. Machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, goes a step further by recognizing patterns from data and teaches machines to automatically learn tasks. Although artificial intelligence in dermatology is mostly developed in melanoma and skin cancer diagnosis, advances in AI and ML have gone far ahead and found its application in ulcer assessment, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, onychomycosis, etc. This article is focused on the application of ML in the therapeutic aspect of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit leading to formation of painful, inflammatory nodules, abscesses and tunnels in apocrine gland-bearing areas of the skin. Pain and drainage are the most important symptoms associated with reduction of quality of life in HS. On the other hand, an overlooked symptom in quality of life studies is itch, despite the fact that several studies have reported its importance. Various theories have tried to explain the pathogenesis of itch in HS, such as the presence of mast cells in the cell infiltrates and elevated Ig E levels in the lesional skin. Smoking and advanced stage of disease have been found to be associated with increased intensity of itch. A PUBMED search was conducted to perform a systematic literature review using the term "hidradenitis suppurativa" [all fields], the keywords "pruritus", "itching", "itch" [all fields] and with "AND" as operator. Mast cells and mTor signaling were found to be raised in both lesional and perilesional skin. Itch as a presenting symptom has been found in 35–82.6% of patients across multiple studies. It often co-presents with pain and may be misinterpreted as burning, stinging, tickling, tweaking, prickling, etc. The presence of itch is associated with reduced quality of life, depression and impairment of social life. Brodalumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-17A receptor, produced significant improvements in itch, pain, QoL and depression in patients with moderate to severe HS. Statins have shown some reduction in itch intensity score. Further studies are required to gain a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis and optimal therapeutic modalities for itch in HS that will allow clinicians to better address issue and reduce its impact on quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ten‐year survival rates in mycosis fungoides (MF) broadly varies, however, there is no standardized prognostic index available. This is presumably due to low prevalence, heterogeneity, and diagnostic challenges in MF. Recent studies have focused on identifying objective prognostic indices by using different parameters for survival determinants. The Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (CLIPI) and the Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI) represent prototypical studies that identify prognostic factors, seeking to improve management and outcomes in early‐stage MF. Detecting these factors and stratifying MF patients according to their disease progression risk may help to manage these patients more efficiently. Aims: Review the current literature to determine the risk factors determining prognosis in MF. Methodology: A Comprehensive literature search was performed using electronic online databases "PubMed" and "Google Scholar" using key words 'prognostic factor', 'prognostic indicator', 'mycosis fungoides', 'Sezary syndrome', 'Skin Lymphoma', 'Cutaneous Lymphoma'. Articles published in English language were considered for the review. Results: The strongest prognostic factor in MF patients is the stage of the disease. T stage and the presence of extracutaneous disease are the most important factors for survival. Other factors that are associated with worse prognosis are male gender, age >60, presence of plaques, folliculotropism, eosinophilia and lymph node stage above N1/Nx. Elevated LDH was associated with later tumor stages and large cell phenotype at diagnosis had a better prognosis. KIR3DL2 was associated with malignant transformation. Conclusion: The PROCLIPI study has assessed risk factors collected in MF patients from different countries and across different ethnicities following a rigorous clinicopathologic process. The findings presented here illustrated that disease prognosis in early stages depends on many contributing factors. Detection and stratification of such factors may allow a personalized approach to management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reason for this may be the low awareness in dermatologists of this reporting system, which may also be reflected by the fact that no PubMed-listed publication on CIRS in dermatology is currently available. Dear Editor, Patient safety is the foremost concern of health care professionals treating patients. [Extracted from the article]