The therapeutic role of methotrexate in chronic urticaria: A systematic review

Background: Chronic urticaria, in many cases, has an unsatisfactory response to antihistamines. The current recommendations in urticaria do not mention the dose and duration for methotrexate. Aims: This study aims to systematically review the use/efficacy of methotrexate in chronic urticaria. Methods: A systematic search in four databases, that is, PubMed/Medline, Cochrane central, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov was done to identify studies on the use of methotrexate in chronic urticaria using key words “methotrexate [MeSH terms]” and “urticaria” or “urticaria, chronic” or “urticaria, chronic spontaneous.” Results: Nine articles (study participants 127), including three randomized control trials, one prospective interventional trial without control, three retrospective reviews and two case reports, were identified and finally included in the systematic review. There was a paucity of literature and the three randomized control trials did not show any benefit of methotrexate over antihistamines alone. However, in studies where steroid- dependent cases were given methotrexate, marked benefit was reported with steroid-sparing effect, particularly on methotrexate dose escalation. Limitations: Due to a paucity of published literature on methotrexate in urticaria, a meta-analysis could not be done. Conclusion: In chronic recalcitrant or steroid-dependent cases, methotrexate may be a therapeutic agent of interest; however, current evidence does not point to any added advantage in efficacy over antihistamines. More evidence based on larger, well-executed randomized control trials is needed in the future to get more definitive answers

Study of cutaneous manifestations of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequently encountered endocrine disorders that occurs in as many as 4 to 10% of women of reproductive age group. It presents with a series of skin changes including acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and acanthosis nigricans. Aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of different cutaneous manifestations in PCOS patients and to correlate them with the degree of hormonal abnormalities.Methods: A total 100 patients with features of PCOS who presented to department of dermatology, gynecology (January 2018-December 2019) with cutaneous manifestations were recorded and diagnosis of PCOS was made using Rotterdam’s criteria. Pregnant women and diagnosed cases of any other endocrine disorder were excluded. Hirsutism was assessed using Ferriman-Gallwey score and AGA according to Ludwig’s classification. Serum hormonal profile including FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone (free), DHEAS, TSH, FBS, fasting insulin were done. Insulin resistance was determined by calculating HOMA-IR score.Results: Among cutaneous manifestations of PCOS, hirsutism (85%) was the most common finding followed by acne (73%), seborrhea (50%), AGA (36%), acanthosis nigricans (29%) and acrochordons (9%). The most common hormonal abnormality was insulin resistance in 53% patients, followed by raised free testosterone in 19% and serum prolactin in 18% patients. A statistically significant association was present between AGA and insulin resistance, hirsutism and raised prolactin levels, seborrhea and raised body mass index (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Dermatological manifestations of PCOS play a significant role in making the diagnosis and constitute a substantial portion of the symptoms experienced by women with this syndrome.

Barriers to the uptake of cataract surgery in patients presenting to a hospital.

PURPOSE: To assess the barriers for the acceptance of surgery among patients with cataract and visual disability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A short-term descriptive study was conducted in patients with cataract presenting to a hospital. Socio-demographic data were entered in a proforma. An interviewer-assisted questionnaire, surveying knowledge about cataract and barriers to cataract surgery, was administered by one of the authors (SKG) in the local language (Hindi). RESULTS: There were 100 patients (53 men and 47 women); 14 were bilaterally blind (vision < 10/200 in the better eye). Attitudinal barriers included: could manage daily work (71%), cataract not mature (68%), could see clearly with the other eye (64%), too busy (57%), female gender (37%), fear of surgery (34%), fear of surgery causing blindness (33%) or death (13%), old age (33%), it is God's will (29%) and worry about cost of surgery (27%). The barriers relating to service delivery, cost and affordability included: insufficient family income (76%), not knowing another person who had undergone cataract surgery (26%), no one to accompany (20%), distance from hospital (20%) or from a main road (9%) and lack of transport (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudinal barriers were reported more often, rather than issues of accessibility or cost. Eye care providers should address the identified barriers for increasing acceptance of surgery in the study area.

Giant dumbbell foramen magnum neurinomas presenting as posterior neck masses: single-stage removal by posterior midline approach.

Two patients with giant dumbbell foramen magnum neurinomas are reported. The intradural component was located anterior to the cervicomedullary junction while the extradural and extraspinal portion of the tumor had grown large enough to present as a neck swelling. In both patients total surgical removal was achieved by a single-stage posterior midline approach. Both patients had complete neurological recovery.

Giant calvarial hyperostosis with biparasagittal en plaque meningioma.

We report a patient with an uncommon presentation in the form of massive bilateral calvarial hyperostosis with bi-parasagittal en plaque meningioma. The tumour was removed by bilateral fronto-parieto-occipital craniotomies. The patient was subjected to post operative radiotherapy to reduce the chances of recurrance. The management of such a case is a surgical challenge.