ABSTRACT
Background: Vitiligo affects about 1% of the world's population, however, there is currently no universally used standardized measure to assess its response to treatment. Objective: To find the most effective technique for the quantitative assessment of therapeutic results in vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in three stages: (1) Conducting an adapted Delphi survey to check current dermatologists' attitudes regarding the topic of study. (2) Conducting a pilot study that involves testing the selected digital image analysis software in the laboratory to validate future tasks. (3) The chief clinimetric study that implicates selecting actual vitiligo lesion models and evaluating them. Results: Regarding the surface area measuring techniques, the most accurate results were gained through the digital image analysis for surface area, followed by point-counting technique. The digital image analysis for color measurement was accurate and reliable in getting a percentage representation of color improvement within the vitiligo lesions, in response to therapy. Limitations: Many dermatologists lack understanding of basic concepts about imaging techniques. The study does not include a traditional assessment method such as vitiligo area scoring index. Conclusion: Our designated digital image analysis technique was able to efficiently assess the changes that occur both on surface area and the color of vitiligo lesions in response to therapy.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: in a developing country, cost effectiveness is an important consideration. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of mini broncho-alveolar lavage [mini BAL] samples in the diagnosis of newly developed lung infiltrates in mechanically ventilated patients
Methods: fifty mechanically ventilated patients with newly developed lung infiltrates were assessed by mini-BAL and subsequent microbiological examination. An infant Ryle catheter FG-10 was used as the inner catheter, a Nelaton catheter size 18 FG was used as the outer protective catheter and was blocked by sterile K-Y gel instead of the pre-packaged catheters
Results: eighty six percent of samples collected by Mini-BAL technique from mechanically ventilated patients showed positive growth for culture and sensitivity. Thirty percent of patients had bi microbial infection while fourteen had polymicrobial infection. Fungal infection [Candida] was the most frequent isolated pathogen [32%] followed by Gram-negative bacteria [Klebsiella] [30%]. Legionella was the commonest isolated atypical bacteria
Conclusion: this study highlighted the mini-BAL technique as a simple, safe, cheap, available and non-invasive bedside procedure for acquiring uncontaminated lower respiratory secretions in patients with newly developed pulmonary infiltrates