Cardiovascular events associated with thalidomide and prednisone in leprosy type 2 reaction

Abstract Background: Thalidomide is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 leprosy reactions and is often associated with corticosteroids. The use of these drugs in multiple myeloma is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events, but there have been few studies assessing this risk in leprosy patients. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with multibacillary leprosy and their correlation with the use of thalidomide and prednisone. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy treated at the Dermatology Service between 2012 and 2022, using electronic medical records. Thromboembolic vascular events, both arterial and venous, including acute myocardial infarction, were considered. The main independent variable was the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone during follow-up. Results: A total of 89 patients were included, of which 19 used thalidomide and prednisone concomitantly. There were five cardiovascular events (26.3%), three of which of deep venous thrombosis. The combined use of medications was associated with the events (PR = 6.46 [3.92 to 10.65]; p<0.01). Study limitations: Small number of events, single-center retrospective study. Conclusion: The hypothesis of an association between cardiovascular events and the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone is supported, but more robust prospective studies are required for a better assessment.

Características clínicas das queratoses actínicas e suas correlações histológicas: sugestão de escala de gravidade clínica / Clinical characteristics of actinic keratoses and their histological correlations: suggestion for a clinical severity scale

Introdução: as queratoses actínicas são lesões pré-malignas com risco de transformação para carcinoma espinocelular invasivo. Não há correlação identificada entre classificação clínica e grau histológico destas lesões. Objetivos: correlacionar as características clínicas das queratoses actínicas dos antebraços e dorso das mãos com o grau de atipia histológica (Keratinocyte Intraepidermal Neoplasia); desenvolver e validar uma escala de gravidade clínica correlacionada ao grau histológico das queratoses actínicas. Métodos: estudo transversal com 162 queratoses actínicas avaliadas clinicamente quanto a diâmetro, eritema, infiltração, hiperqueratose e exulceração; biopsiadas 34 lesões com diferentes padrões. As características clínicas foram correlacionadas com o grau de atipia histológica e a expressão de p53 e Ki-67. Resultados: apenas o diâmetro das lesões correlacionou-se significativamente com o grau de atipia (p=0,04), e apenas o eritema, a hiperqueratose e o diâmetro correlacionaram-se com as marcações imuno-histoquímicas. Foi desenvolvido um escore clínico incluindo o diâmetro, a hiperqueratose e a exulceração, o qual se correlacionou significativamente com o grau de atipia (Rho de Spearman=0,43; p=0,01). Conclusões: desenvolveu-se um escore composto por diâmetro, hiperqueratose e exulceração correlacionado com o grau histológico das queratoses actínicas dos membros superiores.

Introduction: Actinic keratoses are premalignant lesions with a risk of transformation to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. There is no identified correlation between clinical classification and histological grade of these lesions. Objectives: To correlate the clinical characteristics of actinic keratoses of the forearms and back of the hands with the degree of histological atypia (Keratinocyte Intraepidermal Neoplasia); to develop and validate a clinical severity scale correlated with the histological grade of actinic keratoses. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 162 actinic keratoses clinically evaluated for diameter, erythema, infiltration, hyperkeratosis, and exulceration and 34 lesions with different patterns were biopsied. Clinical features were correlated with the degree of histological atypia and p53 and Ki-67 expression. Results: Only the diameter of the lesions was significantly correlated with the degree of atypia (p=0.04), and only the erythema, hyperkeratosis, and the diameter linked with the immunohistochemical markings. A clinical score including diameter, hyperkeratosis, and exulceration was developed, which associated significantly with the degree of atypia (Spearman's Rho=0.43; p=0.01). Conclusions: A score composed of diameter, hyperkeratosis, and exulceration correlated with the histological grade of actinic keratoses of the upper limbs was developed.

Desenvolvimento e validação de rede neural artificial para suporte ao diagnóstico de melanoma em imagens dermatoscópicas / Development and validation of an artificial neural network to support the diagnosis of melanoma from dermoscopic images

Introdução: Com o avanço da análise digital de imagens, análises preditivas e métodos de aprendizagem de máquina, surgiram estudos referentes ao uso da inteligência artificial nos exames de imagem como a dermatoscopia. Objetivo: Construção, teste e implementação de uma rede neural artificial baseada em características de imagens dermatoscópicas. Métodos: Foram incluídas 1949 imagens de nevos melanocíticos e melanomas, tanto de arquivos dos autores, quanto de bancos de imagens dermatoscópicas disponíveis na internet, e desenvolvidas rotinas e plugins para a extração de 58 características aplicadas a um algoritmo de construção de rede neural multicamadas. Quarenta imagens aleatórias foram também avaliadas por 52 dermatologistas e os acertos comparados. Resultados: O treinamento e o teste da rede neural obtiveram uma porcentagem correta de classificação de 78,5 e 79,1%, respectivamente, com uma curva ROC abrangendo 86,5% da área. A sensibilidade e especificidade dos dermatologistas foi de 71,8 e 52%. Para as mesmas imagens e um ponto de corte de 0,4 (40%) do valor de saída, o aplicativo obteve valores de 62 e 56%, respectivamente. Conclusões: Modelos de rede neural multicamada podem auxiliar na avaliação dermatoscópica de nevos melanocíticos e melanomas, quanto ao diagnóstico diferencial entre eles.

Introduction: With the advancement of digital image analysis, predictive analysis, and machine learning methods, studies have emerged regarding the use of artificial intelligence in imaging tests such as dermoscopy. Objective: Construction, testing, and implementation of an artificial neural network based on characteristics of dermoscopic images. Methods: 1949 images of melanocytic nevi and melanomas were included, both from the authors' files and from dermoscopic image banks available on the internet, and routines and plugins were developed to extract 58 features applied to a multilayered neural network construction algorithm. Also, 52 dermatologists assessed 40 random images and compared the results compared. Results: The training and testing of the neural network obtained a correct percentage of classification of 78.5% and 79.1%, respectively, with a ROC curve covering 86.5% of the area. The sensitivity and specificity of dermatologists were 71.8% and 52%. For the same images and a cutoff point of 0.4 (40%) of the output value, the application obtained 62% and 56% values, respectively. Conclusions: Multilayer neural network models can assist in the dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi and melanomas regarding the differential diagnosis between them

Rastreamento de déficit cognitivo em idosos participantes da Campanha de Prevenção ao Câncer de Pele / Cognitive Impairment screening in elderly patients during a Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign

Introdução e objetivo: a Campanha Nacional de Prevenção ao Câncer de Pele, promovida pela SBD, é um evento anual de conscientização da população sobre diagnóstico precoce e prevenção dessa doença. Considerando o perfil dos participantes, em grande parte idosos, e seu caráter educativo, é válido identificar a proporção de pessoas com possível prejuízo cognitivo, de modo a aprimorar as informações transmitidas. Métodos: neste estudo, realizamos triagem cognitiva em participantes da Campanha de 2018 usando escore 10-point cognitive screener, incluindo indivíduos ≥ 60 anos. Foram excluídos pacientes com dificuldades comunicativas e não anuentes. Resultados: foram entrevistados 66 participantes com idade mediana de 68 anos (p25-p75:63-73), sendo 42 (64%) do sexo feminino. Desses, 24 (36%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto e 13 (20%) apresentavam doença neurológica ou psiquiátrica. O escore cognitivo 10-CS bruto e corrigido pela escolaridade apresentou mediana de 8 (6-9). Apresentavam escores ajustados menores que oito 25 entrevistados (38%), indicando déficit cognitivo possível, e seis (9%) apresentaram déficit cognitivo provável. Tal prejuízo cognitivo associou-se a antecedentes neurológicos e baixa escolaridade. Conclusões: apesar de abranger todas as idades, a Campanha prioriza populações de risco, incluindo idosos. Assim, as informações e a didática dessas campanhas devem adequar-se ao perfil dos ouvintes

Introduction and objective: The Campanha Nacional de Prevenção ao Câncer de Pele (National Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign), promoted by SBD, is an annual event to inform about the early diagnosis and prevention of skin cancer. Considering the participants' profile, composed mostly of older adults, and the campaign educational goals, it's opportune to identify the proportion of people with cognitive impairment to improve communication. Methods: We perform a cognitive screening of 2018 Campaign participants using a "10-point cognitive screener" score. The participants included were ≥ 60 years. We excluded those who were unable to communicate or denied consenting. Results: The study interviewed 66 participants. The median age was 68 years (p25-p75:63-73), and 42 (64%) were women. Twenty-four participants (36%) had some elementary school, and 13 (20%) had a neurological or psychiatric disease. The crude and adjusted by schooling 10-CS scores had a median of 8 (6-9). Twenty-five of the interviewed patients (38%) had adjusted score below eight, indicating cognitive impairment, and six (9%) had a probable impairment. The cognitive deficit was associated with a history of neurological disease and low schooling. Conclusions: Despite covering all ages, the campaign prioritizes the risk population, including older adults. Therefore, campaign volunteers should adapt the communication to participants' profile

Contribution to characterization of skin field cancerization activity: morphometric, chromatin texture, proliferation, and apoptosis aspects,

Abstract Background: A skin field cancerization is a cutaneous area with subclinical changes resultant from chronic sun exposure, with a higher predisposition to development of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. So far, there are no well-defined objective parameters that can indicate their degree of activity. Objectives: To describe and compare morphometric aspects and expression of factors related to apoptosis and cell proliferation in actinic keratosis (AK), in both photoexposed and photoprotected epidermis. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with actinic keratosis in the forearms, biopsied at two points: the actinic keratosis and the axillary region. The biopsies of the actinic keratosis, perilesional area, and axilla were evaluated through keratinocyte intraepithelial neoplasia (KIN), and immunohistochemistry of p53, survivin, and Ki67. Nuclear morphometry of basal layer cells was performed through digital image analysis: entropy, area, perimeter, Ra, fractal dimension, circularity, color intensity, and largest diameter. Results: There were 13 patients included and 38 actinic keratosis biopsied. In morphometry, 1039 nuclei were analyzed, of which 228 represented axillary skin, 396 demonstrated actinic keratosis, and 415 represented the perilesional area to the actinic keratosis. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in all variables tested for the topographies evaluated. A significant correlation was identified between nucellar morphometric elements, KIN, proliferation markers, and apoptosis. Joint patterns of p53, Ki67, and KIN discriminated the topographies sampled. Study limitations: This was a cross-sectional study with a small number of patients. Conclusions: There are patterns of proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and different cellular morphometrics between photoprotected skin and photoexposed skin. The joint expression of p53, Ki67, and KIN can characterize skin field cancerization activity.

Extensive pyoderma gangrenosum-like lesions revealing a case of hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia: when to suspect it?

Abstract Hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia is a rare inflammatory disease caused by a mutation in the PSTPIP1 gene, with a dysregulation of calprotectin metabolism. Calprotectin is a zinc-binding protein with antimicrobial properties and pro-inflammatory action. The authors report the case of a 20 year-old girl with cutaneous ulcers comparable with pyoderma gangrenosum, growth failure and chronic anemia, who was given the diagnosis of hyperzincemia and hypercalprotectinemia. Measurement of serum zinc and calprotectin concentrations are indicated in these cases.

Clinical manifestations and quality of life in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: survey of participants from an internet support group

Abstract: Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex and infrequent autoinflammatory disease that impacts on quality of life. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, which limits the development of curative treatments. Objectives: To evaluate clinical and quality of life aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa patients from a social group on the Internet. Methods: A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey study among participants in a discussion group (Facebook) of individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire about clinical-demographic aspects and quality of life (DLQI-BRA). Results: A total of 390 individuals agreed to participate in the study, 82% of them female, median age (p25-p75), of 31 (25-37) years old, disease onset at 15 (13-23) years, family member affected in 20% of cases, overweight (BMI 29 [25-33]) kg/m2 and severe impact on quality of life (DLQI 20 [13-25]). Regarding Hurley's classification, the participants provided information that enabled classification into: I (19%), II (52%) and III (29%). More severe cases were associated with males (OR = 1.69), higher weight (BMI: OR = 1.03) non-white color (OR = 1.43) and higher frequency of other autoinflammatory diseases (OR = 1.37). Study limitations: Voluntary adherence survey with self-completion of the questionnaire by 390 from about 1600 group members. Conclusions: Hidradenitis suppurativa patients who participated in a social network group had onset of the disease after puberty, with a predominance in females and overweight people, with great impact on the quality of life.

Demodicosis as treatment complication of amicrobial pustulosis of the folds

Abstract: Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds is a chronic relapsing neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by sterile pustules compromising skin folds, scalp, face and periorificial regions. It predominantly affects women. Demodicosis is an inflammatory disease associated with cutaneous overpopulation of the mite Demodex spp., the pathogenesis of which is not completely established, but is frequently related to local immunodeficiency. A case of a young woman with amicrobial pustulosis of the folds, and isolated worsening of facial lesions, is reported; investigation revealed overlapping demodicosis. There was complete regression of lesions with acaricide and cyclin treatment. This case warns of a poorly diagnosed but disfiguring and stigmatizing disease, often associated with underlying dermatoses or inadvertent treatments on the face.

Initial basal cell carcinomas diagnosed in the National Campaign for Skin Cancer Prevention are smaller than those identified by the conventional medical referral system

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma is the malignant tumor most often diagnosed in the National Campaign for Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP). Little is known about the profile of these lesions compared to the profile of lesions diagnosed by conventional routes of public dermatological care. OBJECTIVE: To identify if basal cell carcinomas identified in prevention campaigns and referred to surgery are smaller than those routinely removed in a same medical institution. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including tumors routed from 2011-2014 campaigns and 84 anatomopathological reports of outpatients. RESULTS: The campaigns identified 223 individuals with suspicious lesions among 2,531 examinations (9%), with 116 basal cell carcinomas removed. Anatomopathological examinations revealed that the primary lesions identified in the national campaigns were smaller than those referred to surgery by the conventional routes of public health care (28 [13-50] x 38 [20-113] mm2, p <0.01). On the other hand, after a mean follow-up of 15.6 ± 10.3 months, 31% of cases identified in campaigns showed new basal cell carcinoma lesions. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study and inaccuracies in the measurements of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The NCSCP promotes an earlier treatment of basal cell carcinomas compared to patients referred to surgery by the conventional routes of public health care, which can result in lower morbidity rates and better prognosis.

Incidence, clinical manifestations and clipping of nail psoriasis in the dermatology center of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often progresses with nail alterations. It is suspected that there is a correlation between nail psoriasis and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, seeming to serve as a predictor. Objectives: To analyze the profile of patients with nail psoriasis and correlate the presence of nail alterations with psoriatic arthritis, quality of life, extent of psoriasis and the histopathology of the nail. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with 40 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and without systemic treatment. The patient profile was researched, including quality of life and evaluated for the presence of psoriatic arthritis. The severity of the skin psoriasis and the presence of nail lesions were evaluated. Nail fragments were collected and analyzed through clipping. It obtained 100% of positivity for psoriasis in the histopathology exam of the nail plate. Results: Of the 40 patients, 65% were diagnosed with nail psoriasis. Suggestive findings of psoriatic arthritis in hands were present in 33%, being more frequent in those with nail alteration (p = 0.01). In 92.3% of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the hands there was some nail injury. The most frequent injuries were pitting and onycholysis. Conclusions: Patients with nail psoriasis are usually men, with worse quality of life and higher chance of psoriatic arthritis. The correlation between the nail involvement of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in hands confirms the association between these two forms. The clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis did not correlate with the histological diagnosis.

Nuclear morphometry and chromatin textural characteristics of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract: Histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma have biological, evolutionary and distinct prognostic behavior. The analysis of characteristics of the nucleus can provide data on their cellular physiology and behavior. The authors of this study evaluated nuclear morphological parameters and textural patterns of chromatin from different subtypes of basal cell carcinoma: nodular (n=37), superficial (n=28) and sclerodermiform (n=28). The parameters were compared between neoplasms' subtypes and with unaffected adjacent basal epithelium. Nuclear area and diameter of sclerodermiform neoplasms were superior to the other subtypes. Chromatin's color intensity and fractal dimension were less intense in superficial subtypes. Nuclear roundness and chromatin's entropy presented lower values in tumors than in normal epithelium. There was significant correlation between morphological and textural variables of normal skin and tumors. Morphometric elements and textural chromatin's homogeneity of basal cell carcinomas may be related to evolutionary, biological and behavior particularities related to each histotype.