Accuracy rate for clinical diagnosis of dermatofibroma in patients referred to dermatology and pathology department of Emam Reza hospital

Considering its typical clinical manifestation, Dermatofibroma [DF] can be clinically diagnosed in most cases. It has been nevertheless, common practice to rely on pathologic diagnoses. We decided to estimate the rate of correct clinical diagnosis and also the relative importance of other lesions in differential diagnosis of DF. We studied archived biopsies in Dermatology and Pathology Department of Emam Reza hospitals from 1984 until 1 2004 and Dermatofibroma cases were selected, then slides were reviewed. Demographic and other relevant data such as age, sex, etc were gathered and analysed. Eighty two of 127 clinically diagnosed dermatofibroma cases were confirmed by histologic examination [positive predictive value 64.5%]. The most common histological diagnosis in the remaining 45 cases were nodular hidradenoma [7 cases] and comedon and epidermal cyst [11 cases collectively]. In addition, 32 cases of histologically diagnosed dermatofibroma were found with different clinical diagnosis. According to our data, the sensitivity of clinical diagnosis was 72%. It was also found that the lesion is more common in females [57%] and in extremities [58%]. It often appears as a nodular [72%] lesion measuring 5 to 15 millimeters. Histopathologic examination is important for diagnosis of Dermatofibroma. According to our data, the probabilities of false positive and false negatives were 35.5% and 28%, respectively, which is equivalent to 64.5% positive predictive value [PPV]

evaluation of [sun protection factor] SPF accuracy of some sunscreens

The prevalence of photo-aging and skin cancers has been increasing in many parts of the world. To reduce cutaneous photodamage and skin carcinogenesis, primary prevention that an integral component of it is the use of sunscreens is recommended. The aim of this study was assessment of SPF accuracy in some Iranian sunscreens. Among healthy individuals with skin types I to III, 25 volunteers enrolled, but finally ten persons for two sunscreens "X" and "Y" completed the study. Candidates were tested during three days using phototherapy UV 800 K with UV B lamps, UV skin-tester and UV-meter [Waldman Company, Germany]. Minimal erythemal dose in unprotected areas of the skin [MEDup] was initially measured and then in protected areas [MEDp] was determined, according to the MEDup amount and national sunscreens' SPF label [SPF30]. Volunteer was exposed to his own MEDp and also 85% of it, after 24 hours, the two areas were examined for erythema. The final test result declared "correct", for the tested cream, if the accuracy of the SPF was confirmed in at least 90% of volunteers. The accuracy of test was confirmed according to SPF assessment standard protocol. All the candidates were male with mean age of 33.5 +/- 8.51 yrs. The MED mean was 73/09 +/- 15/6 mj/cm2. Final results declared "correct" for both products. In addition, the standard lotion test result was correct for all candidates. According to the results, we can assure people and physicians about reliability of labeled SPF, at least in some of the national products