Tumoral inflammatory infiltrate does not predict metastases in thin primary cutaneous melanomas

Abstract Background In cutaneous melanomas in general, tumor inflammatory infiltrate (TII) can protect against distant metastases, but there is no consensus when only thin primary cutaneous melanomas (TPCM) are considered. Objective To investigate the presence of TII in TPCM and the relationship between TII and the occurrence of metastases. Methods Case-control study including 50 patients with TPCM, 22 metastatic (MC group) and 28 non-metastatic (NMC group). The presence of TII was evaluated and, if present, qualified as mild, moderate or marked. Results The mean age was 50.7 years in the MC and 56.2 years in the NMC group (p = 0.234), and the male sex predominated in the MC group (63.6%). The average Breslow thickness was higher in the MC when compared to that observed in the NMC (respectively 0.8 vs. 0.6 mm, p = 0.012). The presence of ulceration occurred in 22.7% of the MC and 17.9% of the NMC (p = 0.732). TII was present in all 50 TPCM, being marked or moderate in 67.9% of the NMC and 54.5% in the MC group (p = 0.503). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of moderate and marked TII had an Odds Ratio (OR) of 0.57 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.18‒1.8) and adjusted OR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.13‒3.99). Study limitations Small sample size. Conclusions TII was present in all TPCM (with and without metastases), and it was not possible to demonstrate a protective effect of TII against the appearance of metastases.

Dermatologia e pesquisa científica: análise das publicações em hospital de ensino no sul do Brasil / Dermatology and scientific research: analysis of publications in a teaching hospital in southern Brazil

Introdução: a Dermatologia destaca-se entre as especialidades médicas por seu pioneirismo na descoberta e ca-racterização de afecções da pele, tornando-se proeminente a compreensão da conjuntura da produção científica na especialidade. Objetivo: analisar o perfil das publicações científicas do Serviço de Dermatologia da Santa Casa de Porto Alegre/Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Método: estudo transversal e descritivo realizado a partir da análise das publicações do Serviço de Dermatologia, no período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2020. Resultados: a partir do levantamento de dados,foram identificadas 54 publicações no período, constituídas 81,5% (n = 44) por artigos e 18,5% (n = 10) por capítulos de livro. A maioria dos artigos foi 'relato de casos' (56,8%; n = 25). Cerca de 46,3% das publicações contaram com a participação de residentes e/ou especializandos, principal-mente no 3º ano dos programas. Conclusão: a análise das publicações científicas revelou predomínio de artigos em periódicos, principalmente em veículos nacionais, com expressiva participação de especializandos. O desenvolvimento científico da Dermatologia pressupõe a valorização das atividades de pesquisa no âmbito dos programas de especiali-zação e residência, com potencial de contribuição para a melhoria dos serviços de saúde e produtividade acadêmica. (AU)

Background: Dermatology stands out among the medical specialties for its pioneering role in the discovery and characterization of skin conditions, making the understanding of the conjuncture of scientific production in the spe-cialty prominent. Objective: the study aimed to analyze the profile of scientific publications of the Dermatology Service of Santa Casa of Porto Alegre / Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. Method: this cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted from the analysis of publications of the Dermatology Service from January 2019 to December 2020. Results: from the data collection, 54 publications were identified in the analyzed period, consisting of 81.5% (n = 44) of articles and 18.5% (n = 10) of book chapters. Most articles were 'case reports' (56.8%; n = 25). About 46.3% of the publications had the participation of residents and/or trainees, mainly in the 3rd year of the programs. Conclusion: the analysis of scientific publications revealed a predominance of articles in journals, mainly in national vehicles, with a significant participation of students. The scientific development of Dermatology presupposes the valorization of research activities within the scope of specialization and residency programs, with the potential to contribute to the improvement of health services and academic productivity. (AU)

Sarcoidose cutânea e preenchimento facial: um possível evento desencadeante? / Cutaneous sarcoidosis and facial filling: a possible triggering event?

A sarcoidose é uma doença granulomatosa sistêmica com envolvimento cutâneo em 10 a 25% dos casos. O quadro cutâneo tem sido frequentemente associado a traumas prévios, incluindo o uso de preenchedores cutâneos. Apresenta-se caso de paciente com placa eritematosa em dorso nasal com 12 meses de evolução e histórico de preenchimentos prévios com PMMA e ácido hialurônico. A biópsia cutânea evidenciou processo inflamatório granulomatoso de padrão epitelióide e células gigantes multinucleadas, características de sarcoidose cutânea. As reações granulomatosas tardias podem estar associadas ao uso de preenchedores, tanto pelo trauma provocado pelas cânulas quanto pelos antígenos dos preenchedores utilizados

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with skin involvement in 10% to 25% of cases. This skin condition has been associated with previous trauma, including the use of skin fillers. We present the case of a patient with an erythematous plaque on the nasal dorsum with 12 months of evolution and a history of previous facial fillings with polymethylmethacrylate and hyaluronic acid. Skin biopsy showed a granulomatous inflammatory process with an epithelioid pattern and multinucleated giant cells, characteristic of cutaneous sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis can occasionally manifest without systemic involvement and may be associated with the previous use of long-term tissue fillers

Multiple cutaneous telangiectasias after the use of trastuzumab: a case report

We aim to report a particular case of cutaneous telangiectasias on the arms after immunotherapy with trastuzumab plus paclitaxel to treat breast cancer. New oncology therapies reflect a major advance in cancer treatment. They greatly increase survival; however, they still cause certain adverse cutaneous events that should be taken into account for their proper management.

Pityriasis rosea-like rash after COVID-19 vaccination with Oxford-AstraZeneca: a possible trigger?

Scholars around the world have dedicated themselves to developing an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. However, vaccines have produced adverse effects in some patients. We report the case of a 44-year-old man who developed a pruritic papulosquamous rash on the trunk with a characteristic pattern known as Christmas tree after receiving the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, similar to pityriasis rosea (PR). He had no previous symptoms of viral infection and tested negative for neutralizing antibodies (enzyme immunoassay) against COVID-19. There are few reports in the literature about the relationship between the onset of cutaneous adverse reactions and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, therefore, the dissemination of this case is of paramount importance.

Múltiplos pilomatricomas em membros superiores: relato de exérese cirúrgica / Multiple pilomatricomas in upper limbs: report of surgical exeresis

Pilomatricoma é uma neoplasia folicular benigna relativamente rara. Pode ocorrer em qualquer idade, mas menos de 13% dos casos acontecem em pessoas com mais de 50 anos, sendo mais comum em mulheres (1,5 a 2,5 mulheres:1 homem). A localização mais frequente é a região cervical, seguida das áreas frontais, periorbitárias e pré-auriculares (1). Clinicamente, apresenta-se como um tumor subcutâneo ou intradérmico, endurecido e de crescimento lento. O diagnóstico pré-cirúrgico é quase sempre difícil (3). O tratamento padrão é o cirúrgico, com margens de segurança amplas para minimizar o risco de recorrência nas variantes malignas (2,3). Relatamos um caso atípico e exuberante de múltiplos pilomatricomas em membros superiores em um paciente do sexo masculino de 55 anos (AU)

Pilomatricoma is a relatively rare benign follicular neoplasm. It can occur at any age, but less than 13% of cases occur in people over 50 years old, and it is more common in women (1.5 to 2.5 women: 1 man). The most frequent location is the cervical region, followed by the frontal, periorbital and pre-auricular areas (1). Clinically it presents as a hardened and slowly growing subcutaneous or intradermal tumor. Preoperative diagnosis is almost always difficult (3). The standard treatment is surgical, with wide safety margins to minimize the risk of recurrence in malignant variants (2,3). We report an atypical and exuberant case of multiple pilomatricomas in upper limbs in a 55-year-old male patient (AU)

Uso de varenicline no tratamento do tabagismo: relato de dois casos / Use of varenicline in smoking cessation: two case reports

O objetivo deste trabalho foi antecipar informações sobre uma droga que está sendo lançada no combate ao tabagismo, auxiliando aqueles que desejam parar de fumar. O varenicline atua no sistema nervoso central, ligando-se ao receptor nicotínico alfa4beta2 e proporcionando redução do prazer que o cigarro provoca. É um mecanismo de ação novo, que nenhum psicofármaco atinge. Os estudos têm mostrado superioridade do varenicline em manter taxas mais altas e prolongadas de abstinência, quando comparado à bupropiona e placebo. Caso 1: Homem, 51 anos, mais de 30 anos de tabagismo. Nunca atingiu abstinência superior a algumas semanas. Utilizou varenicline na dose preconizada e, na 12ª semana, quando podia interromper, resolveu manter o fármaco até completar 24 semanas de tratamento. Está abstinente há 8 meses. Caso 2 Mulher, 48 anos, 30 anos de dependência do tabaco. Há 21 anos, parou espontaneamente na gestação da única filha e, após 6 meses, recaiu. Usou varenicline por 12 semanas associado à terapia cognitivo-comportamental. Há 7 meses, está abstinente. Os tratamentos disponíveis até o momento são incipientes em promover altos índices de abstinência no primeiro ano. Portanto, a abordagem engloba um conjunto de estratégias, como disponibilizar drogas de primeira linha, além de medidas e projetos que apóiem não só o parar de fumar, mas o continuar abstinente. O tratamento do tabagismo requer investimento público; do contrário, drogas como o varenicline vão beneficiar apenas uma pequena parcela da população.

The objective of this study was to provide information about a new drug to help people quit smoking. Varenicline acts on the central nervous system and binds to the alpha4beta2 nicotine receptor, reducing the sensation of pleasure caused by smoking. Its mechanism of action is unique, different from any other psychotropic. Studies have shown that, when compared with bupropion and placebo, varenicline is more effective in maintaining smoking abstinence and for longer periods of time. Case 1: A 51-year-old male patient who has been smoking for more than 30 years. He has never been more than a few weeks without smoking. He used the recommended dose of varenicline and, although he could have stopped after 12 weeks, preferred to follow the treatment for 24 weeks. He has been abstinent for 8 months. Case 2: 48-year-old female who has been tobacco dependent for 30 years. She quit during the pregnancy of her daughter 21 years ago, but started again 6 months later. She used varenicline for 12 weeks associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. She has been abstinent for 7 months. Currently available treatments still have limited effectiveness in assuring high abstinence rates over the first year. Therefore, our approach includes several strategies, such as administration of first-line drugs, besides measures and projects that not only help patients quit smoking, but also remain abstinent. Anti-smoking treatments require large investments from the government. Otherwise, new drugs, such as varenicline, will only benefit a few segments of the population.