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Background: In approximately 13% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, a hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can be detected: antimitochondrial M2 antibodies (AMA-M2). It has not been determined if the presence of AMA-M2 in SLE patients results in a higher risk of PBC in comparison to those with AMA but no SLE. Until now, there have been no such analyses among individuals with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)., Methods: To assess the seropositivity rates for AMA-M2 and autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis in patients with newly diagnosed SCLE and to determine the coexistence and risk of development of autoimmune liver disease in these patients within 1 year of follow-up, data from 33 patients with newly diagnosed SCLE were analyzed., Results: AMA-M2 was found in 20% of SCLE patients. Patients from the AMA-M2-positive group were characterized by significantly higher levels of cholestatic liver enzymes when compared to those without AMA-M2 (P < 0.05). After introducing therapy with hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, the levels of hepatocellular enzymes increased significantly only in AMA-M2 positive patients (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: A high prevalence of AMA-M2 was found in patients with SCLE. Patients with SCLE and AMA-M2 had significantly higher values of cholestatic enzymes than patients without AMA. Newly diagnosed patients with SCLE should be screened for the presence of AMA and should be clinically followed up. Avoiding drugs with potential liver toxicity should be recommended in patients with SCLE and AMA., (© 2020 the International Society of Dermatology.)

Introduction: Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder defined by the combined presence of serum anti-RNP antibodies and distinct clinical features including progressive lung fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential associations between lung fibrosis in MCTD and specific clinical and laboratory findings including results of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) examination., Material and Methods: Patients with MCTD who were admitted to the Departments of Allergy and Immunology or Dermatology at the University Hospital of Krakow (Poland) in 2015-2018 were identified based on comprehensive individual record review. Diagnosis of MCTD required fulfilment of at least one of the four widely accepted sets of diagnostic criteria. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of interstitial lung disease (ILD)., Results: Thirty patients (90% females) aged 22-81 years met the study inclusion criteria. The mean duration of symptoms associated with MCTD was 7.3 months. Photosensitivity and Raynaud's phenomenon were the most common clinical manifestations (90% and 70%, respectively). Hand oedema, sclerodactyly and the presence of giant capillaries in NFC correlated significantly with the risk of lung involvement. In multivariate analysis, the presence of enlarged loops in NFC (giant capillaries) was identified as an independent factor for ILD ( R 2 = 0.82, p < 0.0000001)., Conclusions: The NFC examination should be considered in all patients with a diagnosis of MCTD. The presence of giant capillaries may be a promising marker for interstitial lung disease in these patients, especially among those with a short duration of disease (i.e. < 1 year)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Termedia & Banach.)

Introduction: Superficial fungal infections are a major epidemiological issue with increasing prevalence. Mycological examination is crucial for proper diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and etiological factors of superficial fungal infections in Malopolska and the incidence of superficial fungal infections in relation to sex and age., Materials and Methods: We analyzed 4608 results of mycological examinations taken from patients in 2010-2014 in Mycology Laboratory in Krakow. Materials were collected from affected areas: nails, skin of feet and hands, the smooth skin and hairy skin. The material was examined directly and cultured., Results: Among 4608 collected materials culture was positive in 1765 cases. Dermatophytes were the most common isolates (865; 49%), followed by yeasts (702; 39.8%) and non-dermatophytic molds (161; 9.1%). There were 37 (2.1%) co-infections. Trichophyton rubrum (745; 86%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (90; 10%) were the most prevalent species among dermatophytes. Dermatophyte infections occurred significantly more frequent in males, whereas yeast and non-dermatophytic molds in females., Conclusions: The type, and change in etiological factors of fungal infections in patients is a reflection of social behavior modification and changes in the ecosystem of the region and may be an indication for the sanitary-epidemiological actions.