Teledermatología sincrónica en tiempos de Covid-19. Percepción del dermatólogo / Synchronous teledermatology in times of Covid-19. Dermatologist perception

Teledermatology (TD) is a remote medical care tool that experienced a great boom during the COVID19 pandemic, resulting in an increase in both, the number of remote consultations and the number of dermatologists who practice it. Several studies have reported a high degree of satisfaction among patients attended by this method. However, few studies have done so in dermatologists. We set out to investigate the experience of Chilean dermatologists with the tool by means of an online survey. Results. A total of 156 surveys were completed. The number of dermatologists using TD increased from 19.9% to 80.8% during the pandemic. They cited the absence of the physical examination-dermatoscopy as the main limitation to developing TD and reported feeling more comfortable with some pathologies. Dermatologists feel moderately comfortable and confident with the tool, however, they experienced varying degrees of stress and frustration. Only 40.8% plan to continue using TD in the future. Conclusion. Synchronous TD has clear limitations, however, these should emerge as an opportunity to consider in its development and its platforms, in order to generate a more comfortable tool for more dermatologists and thus extend its use, as an important tool for equal access to health care in Chile. (AU)

Manifestaciones cutáneas de enfermedades gastrointestinales / Cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases

The gastrointestinal system is closely related to the skin. Multiple disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that manifest clinically on the skin surface are recognized, which can even occur before establishing the definitive diagnosis of the disease. For this reason, it is necessary that the dermatologist is internalized regarding the wide variety of clinical signs that can guide the etiological study, which requires in most cases, a multidisciplinary management. (AU)

Miasis cutánea por Cochliomyia hominivorax asociada a dermatitis seborreica: case report / Cutaneous myiasis due to Cochliomyia hominivorax associated with seborrheic dermatitis

Myiasis is an infestation of tissues and organs of humans and animals by Diptera larvae (flies, horseflies, mosquitoes). They are located at different body sites, and classified clinically as cutaneous, visceral and cavitary. We report a 26-year-old woman with a history of seborrheic dermatitis and recent trip to Brazil. She presented with a seven days history of suppurating wounds in the parieto-occipital area of the scalp. At physical examination we found three ulcers of approximately 1.5 cm each, with multiple mobile larvae inside. The obtained larvae were analyzed, identifying Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae at L2 and L3 stages. The patient was managed successfully with oral antimicrobials and local cleansing. The screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax in our country is rare. Known risk factors are wounds, poor personal hygiene, extreme ages, psychiatric disorders, presence of specific dermatosis such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, among others.

Síndrome de Sweet: revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Sweet syndrome: review of the literature about a case

Sweet (SS) syndrome is a neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by a rapid onset of painful erythematous-purplish papules, nodules or plaques, accompanied by fever and associated with a dermal neutrophil infiltrate. CASE REPORT: Male, 69 years old, with a history of mild plaque psoriasis, arterial hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux and chronic sinusitis. He consulted for a 24-hour period characterized by headache and pain in the scalp. The examination highlights fever (38.5°), with slight erythema, sensitivity to palpation and some psoriasis plaques on the scalp. 48 hours later, it presents extensive painful erythematouspurplish plaques, present only on his right face and scalp. Biopsy was informed as Sweet Syndrome. He completed 14 days on prednisone, with excellent clinical evolution. DISCUSSION Sweet syndrome is classified into three categories: classic or idiopathic (most common), drug induced and associated with malignancy. In addition, other conditions have been described which may be related to: infections, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy. The management is focused on investigating an underlying cause and the use of corticosteroids, as a first line therapy. We report a case of idiopathic Sweet syndrome with atypical presentation, which was initially interpreted as facial cellulitis, with a rapid response to systemic corticosteroids. (AU)

Actualización en psicodermatología / Update in psychodermatology

Psychodermatology is an area of dermatology dedicated to the connection between this medical discipline and psychiatry. Its importance is based in that emotional factors can exacerbate skin diseases and psychiatric disorders may manifest as skin lesions. This relationship can be described as an intricate network involving psychological, social, neuroendocrine, immune and skin factors, as reflected in the complexity of the management of these patients. Is important to increase research and interest in this important issue, as an integrative and multidisciplinary approach allows for interventions in the vicious circle between psychiatric dysfunction and skin symptoms, improving significantly the quality of life of patients...

Importancia actual de la vitamina D: déficit prevalente y asociación a diversas patologías / Current importance of vitamin D

En los últimos años se ha detectado una epidemia mundial de bajos niveles de vitamina D en la población general, la que ha alertado sobre su correlación con diversas enfermedades. Hay muchas razones que pueden ser las causales de este importante problema, siendo la baja exposición a luz solar uno de los principales. Nuestra especialidad juega un rol central en promover una foto exposición más saludable o suplementando a pacientes de alto riesgo para lograr niveles adecuados de esta vitamina. En nuestra revisión analizamos brevemente las causas de bajos niveles de vitamina D, sus funciones y las recientes correlaciones de su déficit con varias condiciones, entre ellas; el cáncer de piel, atopia y enfermedades autoinmunes. Finalmente recomendamos búsqueda activa y suplementación cuando sea necesario.

In the last few years, a worldwide epidemic of low levels of vitamin D in general population has been discovered, raising an alert about its correlation with health problems. Many reasons may be responsible for this important problem, and insufficient exposure to sunlight may be the main one. Our specialty has a key role in promoting a healthy sun exposure or supplementing high risk patients, to keep adequate levels of this vitamin. In our review, we analyze briefly the causes for low levels of vitamin D, its functions and newly discovered correlations with diseases, including skin cancer, atopy and autoimmune conditions. Finally we recommend screening and supplementation, when necessary.

Pioderma gangrenoso en paciente con colitis ulcerosa tratada con infliximab / Pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with ulcerative colitits treated with infliximab

El pioderma gangrenoso (PG) es una dermatitis neutrofílica, que en algunos casos puede ser severa y de difícil manejo. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con múltiples lesiones de PG asociadas a colitis ulcerosa, en la cual, por severidad del cuadro, se optó por adicionar infliximab al tratamiento habitual. La respuesta clínica fue excelente y rápida tras la primera dosis de infliximab, pese a que recibió solo dos de las tres dosis recomendadas habitualmente. La mejoría cutánea y digestiva se ha mantenido un año después de este tratamiento. Infliximab ha demostrado ser, en este y otros reportes, una herramienta muy útil, especialmente en casos de compromiso severo como en nuestra paciente. Se requiere mas evidencia aún para comprobar en cuáles pacientes podría ser beneficioso. Se presenta este caso por su severidad y la rápida y sostenida respuesta obtenida con infliximab.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis and in some cases can be severe and difficult to manage. We report the case of a patient with multiple lesions of PG associated with ulcerative colitis. Due to the severity of the clinical presentation treatment with infliximab was added to standard therapy. Clinical response was excellent and fast after the first dose of infliximab, although ha received only two of the three doses usually recomended. Skin and digestive improvement has been maintained 1 year after treatment. Infliximab has proven, in this and other reports, as a very useful tool in the treatment of PG, especially in cases of severe involvement as in our patient. More evidence is required to prove in which patients with PG infliximab could beneficial. We present this clinical case because of its severity and the rapid and susteined response obtained with infliximab.

Corticoides sistémicos: uso racional en dermatología / Systemic glucocorticoids: rational use in dermatology

Los glucocorticoides (GC) son potentes agentes inmunosupresores y antiinflamatorios ampliamente utilizados en el tratamiento de enfermedades dermatológicas. Las complicaciones asociadas a la terapia esteroidal sistémica aumentan con dosis mayores, tratamientos prolongados y administración fraccionada. Para maximizar la eficacia de la terapia esteroidal minimizando el riesgo de efectos adversos, es necesario conocer su farmacocinética y función a nivel de distintos órganos blanco. En esta revisión damos una visión general del mecanismo de acción de los GC y sus efectos adversos, junto con algunas recomendaciones prácticas para su uso clínico efectivo y seguro, disminuyendo el riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones.

(GC) are potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents widely used in the treatment of many dermatologic diseases. Complications associated with systemic GC increase with higher doses, prolonged therapies, and divided administration. In order to maximize the effectiveness of steroidal therapy, minimizing the risk of adverse effects, it is necessary to know their pharmacokinetics and function on different target organs. In this review, we take general look at the mechanism of action and side effects of GC, along with some practical recommendations for their safe and effective use in order to decrease the risk of complications.

Estudio de pacientes hospitalizados por erisipela y celulitis en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Study of erysipelas and cellulitis in the Clinical Hospital of Universidad de Chile

Erisipela y celulitis son causa frecuente de morbilidad y hospitalización; sin embargo, no existen estudios nacionales que caractericen a este grupo de pacientes. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de pacientes hospitalizados por erisipela o celulitis en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, en el período de mayo del año 2006 hasta abril del 2007. Se hospitalizó un total de 32 pacientes, 31 con diagnóstico de celulitis y uno de erisipela. Al ingreso 36 por ciento presentó fiebre. La localización más frecuente fue en extremidades inferiores. En relación a factores de riesgo, 72 por ciento presentó tiña pedis, 53 por ciento, tabaquismo y 34 por ciento, obesidad. El 65 por ciento recibió tratamiento antibiótico con cefazolina endovenosa. El promedio de estadía hospitalaria fue 5,3 días. Los resultados encontrados son concordantes con estudios internacionales. Los pacientes tuvieron una evolución satisfactoria; sin embargo, es importante no olvidar que a estas piodermias pueden asociarse graves complicaciones locales y sistémicas si no son diagnosticadas y tratadas oportunamente.

Erysipelas and cellulitis are common causes of morbidity and hospitalization. However there are no national studies that describe this group of patients.The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological and clinical features of patients admitted in our service with diagnosis of erysipelas and cellulitis in the period between May 2006 and April 2007. From a total of 32 patients, 31 presented cellulitis and 1 erysipelas. At the moment of admission 36 percent of the patients presented fever. The most frequent localization was the lower limbs. Within risk factors, 72 percent presented tinea pedis, 53 percent were smokers and 34 percent obese. Within treatment, 65 percent received endovenous cefazolin. Average hospitalization period was 5.3 days.In conclusion, this study showed no significant differences from those internationally published. Patients had a satisfactory evolution. It is, however, important not to forget the serious local and systemic complications that this infections may lead to if they are overlooked.

Estudio de enfermedad celíaca en pacientes con psoriasis / Frequency of celiac disease among patients with psoriasis

Background: A possible relationship has been reported between psoriasis and celiac disease, with common pathogenic mechanisms that may need further investigation. Aim: To investigate the presence of clinical and serological markers for celiac disease in a group of Chilean psoriatic patients. Material and methods: We included 80 psoriatic patients (42 males) aged 16 to 79 years, whose serum was tested for antitransglutaminase antibodies (ATGA) and antiendomysial antibodies (AEMA). Patients with weakly positive AEMA tests were also tested for antigliadin antibodies (AGA). Results: In six patients (7.5 percent), AEMA and AGA were positive and one patient was positive for ATGA. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and duodenal biopsy was offered to these six patients and five accepted the procedure. Only one had a pathological diagnosis of celiac disease. Conclusions: Only one of 80 patients with psoriasis had celiac disease (1.2 percent). Other four patients with positive serologic markers had a normal duodenal biopsy. This group of patients may have latent celiac disease and they should be followed up.

Patología cutánea en pacientes hospitalizados del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Skin pathology in hospitalized patients

La dermatología desempeña un importante papel, como disciplina transversal, en el cuidado multidisciplinario de pacientes hospitalizados. La frecuencia y el impacto de la consulta dermatológica en este grupo de pacientes siguen siendo desconocidos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las interconsultas referidas al Servicio de Dermatología desde los distintos servicios del Hospital clínico de la Universidad de Chile durante un periodo de cuatro años. 1.584 interconsultas entre agosto de 2001 y julio de 2005 fueron analizadas respectivamente según servicio solicitante, diagnóstico, fecha, sexo y edad. La media de edad de los pacientes fue 49,17 años para mujeres y 48,86 años para varones. Los servicios que más frecuentemente solicitaron interconsulta fueron: Medicina interna (38,63 por ciento), Neurología/Neurocirugía (12,27 por ciento), Cirugía (10,3 por ciento) y Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (9,71 por ciento). Las patologías más comúnmente diagnosticadas en pacientes hospitalizados fueron desórdenes Inflamatorios (41,1 por ciento), Infecciosos (30,56 por ciento) y Tumorales (6,63 por ciento). Dentro de la patología inflamatoria, el diagnóstico más frecuente fue la reacción medicamentosa (34,56 por ciento) y luego las dermatitis (28,11 por ciento). Dentro de las enfermedades infecciosas, la micosis fue la más común (56,4 por ciento), seguida por infecciones virales y bacteriales de la piel (19,01 y 18,39 por ciento, respectivamente). Los tumores benignos fueron más frecuentes que los malignos (73,33 por ciento vs 26,67 por ciento). Consideramos relevante conocer las patologías más comunes en pacientes hospitalizados, ya que ellos presentan características diferentes respecto a los pacientes ambulatorios. Además, este estudio deja en evidencia la importante contribución de los dermatólogos al cuidado multidisciplinario de los pacientes hospitalizados.

Dermatology, as a cross-sectional discipline, plays an important role in the interdisciplinary care of hospitalized patients. The frequency and impact of inpatient dermatological consultation remain unknown. The purpose of this study to analyse skin consultations made in Dermatological Department of the clinical Hospital of the University of Chile by other departments during a period of four years. 1.584 skin consultations between August 2001 and July 2005 were respectively studied by service, skin diagnosis, date, sex and age of patients. The average age of the patients was 49.17 years in females (IC 95 percent 47.64-50.7) and 48.86 years in males (IC 95 percent 47.23-50.49). The services requesting consultation most frequently were: Internal medicine (38,63 percent), Neurology/Neurosurgery(12,27 percent), Surgery (10.3 percent) and Intensive Care Unit (9,71 percent). The most common skin disorders diagnosed in hospitalized patients were Inflammatory skin disorders (41.1 percent), followed by infectious (30.56 percent) and Tumoral (6,63 percent)diseases. Within the inflammatory disorders, the most common was drug skin reaction (34,56 percent) followed by dermatitis (28,11 percent). Within the infectious diseases, mycosis was most common(56,4 percent), followed by viral and bacterial infectious skin diseases (19.01 and 18.39 percent, respectively). Benign tumors were more frequent than the malignant tumours (73.33 percent versus 26.67 percent). We considered the most frequent pathologies in this group of patients as relevant since they present different characteristics from dermatological outpatient. In addition, this study emphasizes the important contribution of the dermatologists in the interdisciplinary care of hospitalized patients.

Rosácea ocular: un diagnóstico a menudo no considerado en rosácea / Ocular rosacea: a diagnostic frequently non-considered in rosacea

La rosácea es una enfermedad crónica que puede asociarse e incluso debutar con un compromiso ocular (rosácea ocular), siendo ésta principalmente de predominio palpebral (blefaritis), conjuntiva y/o corneal, es decir, fundamentalmente del polo anterior del ojo. Se presume multifactorial, siendo la alteración de la composición del componente lipídico de la lágrima, motivada por lipasas estafilocócicas aumentadas y meibomitis, los eventos precursores más ampliamente aceptados. Actualmente el tratamiento se basa en fotoprotección ocular, uso de lágrimas artificiales y antibioticoterapia oral y tópica. Otras alternativas de segunda línea son el metronidazol, isotretinoína tópica y sistémica, cirugía y oclusión del punto lacrimal.