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Objective: To ascertain the quality of life (QoL) impairment among the Pakistani population with vitiligo and to determine the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics., Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Dermatology Outpatients at the Aga Khan University in collaboration with outpatients of seven tertiary care hospitals of Sindh, Punjab, KPK, Balochistan, and AJK to collect data from March 2015 to April 2019., Methodology: All clinically diagnosed patients of vitiligo, who signed consent and assent forms, were included in the study. A validated 25-item, QoL scale for vitiligo was used. Socio-economic status of the patients, clinical assessment of the disease and patients' engagement in social and domestic lives was noted., Results: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were enrolled in the study, having mean age 29.8 ± 16.2 years. In 306 (53.4%) males and 267 (46.65%) females; 21.8% were below 18 years. Mean vitiligo QoL index was 38.4 ± 11.8. Patients of vitiligo with disease duration 5-10 years, those affected on exposed parts, more than five body sites, rapidly progressing disease and of female gender had a higher impairment of quality of life. These scores were found significantly higher as compared to other levels of these parameters (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Patients with vitiligo experience low self-esteem. The disease adversely affects their quality of life. The authors recommend the use of disease-specific instruments to assess the quality of life which enables the treating physician to devise best possible management plan individually., Key Words: Vitiligo, Quality of life, Pakistan, Vitiligo life quality index.

Objective To identify the pattern of various clinical presentations of skin disorders in pediatric patients of DHQ teaching hospital, Gujranwala for improving health care planning and management. Methods The query describes a descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study that included the patients of all genders and ages upto 14 years who visited the Dermatology Outpatient Department within a year. The diagnoses of patients were confirmed after detailed history, examinations and necessary investigations. Results 9,526 children presented to the Dermatology Department. Out of those, 43% were males and 57% were females. Mean age noted was 5.5 years with standard deviation of 3.2 years. Scabies (32.2%), eczema (16.6%), tinea (13.4%), seborrheic dermatitis (4.3 %), furunculosis (4.0%), impetigo (3.7%), urticaria (3.0%), vitiligo (2.8%), diaper candidiasis (2.6%), viral exanthemas (2.0%), carbuncle (1.9%), atopic dermatitis (1.7%), molluscum contagiosum (1.5%), alopecia areata (1.5%) and pityriasis versicolor (1.3%) were included in the group of more common dermatoses. Rest of dermatoses were divided into less commom (6.3%) and rare dermatoses (1.2%). Conclusion There should be collaboration between pediatrician and dermatologist for the early diagnosis and management of most commonly observed dermatoses. It will reduce a lot of burden on our health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the frequency of positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients of generalized vitiligo. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted in the Dermatology Unit 1 of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore for a period of six months. 125 cases of generalized vitiligo, of both genders, ages between 15-60 years, and with any duration of disease were enrolled. Results A total of 125 cases of generalized vitiligo were enrolled. 61.6% (n=77) patients were between 15-30 years of age whereas 38.4 % (n=48) were between 31-60 years of age, Mean was calculated as 31.56±7.77 years, 56.8% (n=71) were male and 43.2% (n=54) were females. Frequency of positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients of generalized vitiligo was recorded in 32.8% (n=41). Conclusion The frequency of positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies is significant in patients of generalized vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nail involvement is frequently observed in various dermatoses including psoriasis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata. Vitiligo affects 0.1-4% of global population. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders having nail abnormalities. The frequency and nature of nail abnormalities in vitiligo are not known in our local population. Objective To determine the frequency and types of nail changes in patients of vitiligo. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dermatology outpatient department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan for duration of six months. 240 cases of vitiligo, of both genders, ages between 15-50 years and with any duration of disease were enrolled. Results In our study population of 240 cases, 150 cases (62.5%) of vitiligo had nail changes. 40.67% (n=61) had longitudinal ridging, 12.67% (n=19) had leukonychia, 10.67% (n=16) had absent lunula, 5.33% (n=8) had trachonychia, 4.67% (n=7) had onycholysis, 4.67% (n=7) had clubbing and 4% (n=6) had splinter hemorrhages. Conclusion Nail changes were observed in more than sixty percent cases of vitiligo. Longitudinal ridging was the most common type of nail abnormality followed by leukonychia and absent lunula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]