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Byline: Akhila. Guttikonda, Chintaginjala. Aruna, DVSB. Ramamurthy, K. Sridevi, Senthil Kumar. Alagappan Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by nonscarring hair loss on the scalp [...]

Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is considered as one of the most difficult to treat condition in dermatology. Several studies showed low levels of vitamin D in these patients and believed to have role in pathogenesis of CSU. Aim To evaluate serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels (25-(OH) D) in patients with chronic spontaneous urticarial (CSU) and to know its association with the disease activity. Material and Method This was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted over 18 months which included 50 cases of CSU and 50 age and sex matched controls. In each case, detailed history and physical examinations were carried out and urticaria activity score [UAS] was calculated. 25-(OH)D level was measured both in cases and controls using enzyme immunoassay method [EIA]. Those with 25-(OH) D levels < 20 ng/mL were labelled as deficient, between 20 and 30 labelled as insufficient and any value > 30 ng/mL were labelled normal. Appropriate statistical tests were done to analyse the data. Results The mean 25-(OH) D levels among the cases was 34.02 and among the controls it was 48.9, the difference was statistically significant (p value = 0.000771). No significant correlation was observed between 25-(OH) D levels and UAS. Conclusion Patients with CSU had low serum 25-(OH) D when compared to healthy controls and no correlation was observed between 25-(OH)D and disease activity (assessed based on UAS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To document various cutaneous manifestations and associated hormonal abnormalities in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods This was a cross-sectional study done which included 50 patients of PCOS. After noting the demographic variables, detailed history with particular reference to menstrual irregularity, infertility, family history etc. was taken. Cutaneous examination was done to note the various cutaneous features of PCOS. Relevant laboratory investigations and hormone assays like follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone (free and total), dehydroepiandrostenedione, sex hormone binding protein, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin were done in patients with PCOS on second day of spontaneous menstruation. Results Mean age of patients in our study was 22.4±2.5 years. Menstrual disturbances were noted in 38 (76%) patients. The most common cutaneous feature noted in our study was acanthosis nigricans, seen in 31 (62%) cases followed by acne vulgaris noted in 26 cases (52%). Most common hormonal abnormality found in our study was elevated fasting insulin levels seen in 28 cases (56%) followed by elevated luteinizing hormone levels (22 cases, 44%). Conclusion PCOS is fairly common disorder in women of reproductive age group and is associated with various complications if left unrecognized and untreated. Cutaneous features of PCOS are first to manifest clinically and their screening in suspected cases help in early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]