Discoid lupus erythematosus: a profile

To determine the demographic data, clinical pattern and therapeutic outcome in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus [DLE]. Case series. The Department of Dermatology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, from January 2004 to December 2008. Patients of either gender aged above 18 years diagnosed with DLE were enrolled for the study. Those with evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus were excluded. Apart from the onset, duration, symptoms, lesion's location, size and dimensions were noted. Biopsy was taken when the diagnosis was in doubt. Apart from routine investigations serum anti-nuclear factor was determined in every patient. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.0 for frequencies and percentages. There were 110 patients [38 males and 72 females], with ages between 18 and 62 years. Family history was positive in 3 patients. The plaque form was the most common clinical type seen in 68 [61.8%] patients, followed by tumid [n=20, 18.2%], panniculitis [n=10, 9.1%] and ulcerative [n=8,7.3%] types. Face was the most common site affected [n=60, 54.5%]. Antinuclear antibody was present in 19 [17.3%] patients. Fatigue and joint pains were the commonest symptoms [n=52, 47%]. Pigmentation and scarring were the usual outcome. DLE is a chronic disease with multiple presentations, which usually ends with pigmentation and scarring

Pattern of skin disorders among adolescent female students at Hyderabad, Sindh

To determine the pattern and severity of skin disorders among female adolescent students at Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. This observational study was conducted at Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, from August, 2007 to October, 2007. Four intermediate and degree colleges of the Hyderabad city were randomly selected and visited. The students were examined with regard to the type and severity of skin disorders. The findings were recorded on a pre-structured proforma. A total of 1350 students were examined. Their ages ranged from 16-24 years. Acne was the most common disorder seen in 59.5% of subjects followed by hair loss [59%], pigmentary disorders [36.3%], dandruff [26.1], hirsutism [20.9%], ephelides [6.4%], xerosis [2.9%], pityriasis versicolor [2.9%], pruritus [2.3%] and eczema [2.1%]. There were very few cases of pyoderma, tinea corporis and scabies. Skin disorders are common among adolescent college girls. The most prevalent group of skin disorders at this age is cosmetic one. Their proper management at earlier stages with education of patients is important to prevent late disfiguring complications and psychological sequelae

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding leprosy among general practitioners at Hyderabad

To assess the level of knowledge, social attitude towards patients, and diagnostic and management capabilities of general practitioners [KAP] regarding leprosy, practicing at Hyderabad, Pakistan. Cross-sectional study. Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, during October to December 2007. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire consisting of 54 questions was administered to general practitioners working at various areas in Hyderabad. The questions were grouped under different headings and covered clinical features, common and uncommon presentations, complications, referral practices and stigma. The sum of correct answers marked by doctors was taken to classify the respondents. The doctors who responded correctly for upto 10 questions were assigned level 1 [poor], from 11 to 25: level 2 [average], from 26 to 40: level 3 [good], while those who marked correct answers for more than 40 questions were assigned level 4 [excellent]. Chi-square test was used to determine significance at p < 0.05. A total of 200 doctors were surveyed. Fourteen doctors [7%] had poor knowledge of disease [number of correct answers less than 10], 32 [16%] had average [number of correct answers between 11 and 25], 140 [70%] doctors good [number of correct answers between 26 and 40] while 14 [7%] had excellent [number of correct answers more than 40] knowledge of the disease. There is inconsistency and deficiencies in the knowledge, referral pattern and treatment of leprosy among general practitioners, which needs to be improved by conducting awareness activities

Treatment of extensive alopecia areata with oral prednisolone mini-pulse regimen

Systemic steroids in mini doses have been reported effective in the treatment of alopecia areata. To evaluate the efficacy of oral prednisolone in mini pulse regimen in the treatment of severe forms of alopecia areata. This open uncontrolled study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology and Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad from June, 2007 to July, 2008. All adult patients of both genders not receiving any topical or systemic treatment were enrolled in study. Non-probability convenience technique was used for sampling. After recording personal data and short history regarding the onset, duration and treatment received; thorough cutaneous and systemic examination was done. The patients were assessed clinically and with photographs at all visits. All patients received 30 mg oral prednisolone for 3 consecutive days in a week for 6 months. They were assessed for response and side effects at monthly intervals. The post treatment follow-up was done for 6 months. The findings were recorded on close ended proforma. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.0. Fourteen male and 8 female patients aged between 16 and 40 years [mean 25.5 years] were enrolled for study. The duration of the disease at the time of presentation was from 6 months to 10 years [mean 3.6 years]. Fourteen patients had extensive alopecia of scalp, 6 alopecia totalis while 2 alopecia universalis. Eight [15.7%] patients showed excellent response and 5 [9.8%] good response. The response was satisfactory in 7 [13.7%] and unsatisfactory in 2 [3.9%] patients. Low dose steroids in mini-pulse regimen are an effective treatment modality for treating AA