ABSTRACT
Objective: to document various cutaneous manifestations and associated hormonal abnormalities in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]
Methods: this was a cross-sectional study done which included 50 patients of PCOS. After noting the demographic variables, detailed history with particular reference to menstrual irregularity, infertility, family history etc. was taken. Cutaneous examination was done to note the various cutaneous features of PCOS. Relevant laboratory investigations and hormone assays like follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone [free and total], dehydroepiandrostenedione, sex hormone binding protein, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin were done in patients with PCOS on second day of spontaneous menstruation
Results: mean age of patients in our study was 22.4 +/- 2.5 years. Menstrual disturbances were noted in 38 [76%] patients. The most common cutaneous feature noted in our study was acanthosis nigricans, seen in 31 [62%] cases followed by acne vulgaris noted in 26 cases [52%]. Most common hormonal abnormality found in our study was elevated fasting insulin levels seen in 28 cases [56%] followed by elevated luteinizing hormone levels [22 cases, 44%]
Conclusion: PCOS is fairly common disorder in women of reproductive age group and is associated with various complications if left unrecognized and untreated. Cutaneous features of PCOS are first to manifest clinically and their screening in suspected cases help in early diagnosis
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated autologous serum injections in patients with chronic autoimmune urticarial
Methods: Patients of chronic autoimmune urticaria were prospectively analyzed for the efficacy of eight consecutive weekly autologous serum injections with a post-intervention follow-up of 12 weeks. Total urticaria severity score [TSS] was calculated at the baseline, at the end of treatment and lastly at the end of 12 weeks of follow-up. Response to therapy was judged by the percentage reduction in baseline TSS at the end of treatment and again at the end of 12 weeks of follow-up
Results: Out of the 65 patients enrolled, 4 opted out of study after one or the first few doses. Among the rest of the 61 patients, 16.4% patients showed excellent response and 55.7% showed good to fair response to autologous serum therapy. Poor response was seen in 27.9% of the study population. Among the responders, only 15.9% [out of 72] relapsed at the end of 12 weeks of follow-up and at the end of study protocol we had 60.7% of the study population who could be labeled as completely or partially remitted with the treatment regimen
Conclusion: Autologous serum therapy is an effective therapy in patients with chronic autoimmune urticaria. Better response is seen in female patients with short duration of disease
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a worldwide problem and the most common endocrine disorder. Cutaneous manifestations of DM generally appear subsequent to the development of the disease, but they may be the first presenting sign or even precede the primary disease manifestation by many years
Aim: To study the prevalence and patterns of cutaneous manifestations among diabetic patients and their association with duration of DM
Materials and Methods: A longitudinal cross-sectional study was performed on patients attending the out patient department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy of a tertiary care hospital in South India. A total of 200 patients with dermatological compliants having pre-existing diabetes and patients in whom diabetes was diagnosed later were included in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out using analysis of variance [ANOVA] test and SPSS 21 software
Results: Majority of patients belonged to the age group 40-59 years [63%] with female preponderance [58.5%]. Cutaneous manifestations as presenting feature of diabetes were observed in 21.5% cases. The diabetic status was uncontrolled in 73% cases. Among the various cutaneous manifestations observed, cutaneous infections [52%] were most commonly observed, especially in early diabetics of up to 5 years duration and dermatoses due to chronic degenerative complications were observed in long standing diabetics which was statistically significant [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations may be the first clue to underlying diabetic diathesis. Through awareness about cutaneous manifestations of DM, dermatologist can not only take credit for detecting DM but also facilitate early diagnosis of systemic complications of DM and thereby play an important role in improvement of quality of life and management strategy of diabetic patients