Clinical and metabolic characteristics of males with early-onset androgenetic alopecia

Background: Men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) often have an abnormal hormonal milieu. Objective: To ascertain the clinico-phenotypic characteristics and the prevalence of hormonal and metabolic changes in men with early-onset AGA. Methods: Consecutive male patients less than 30 years of age with a Norwood-Hamilton grade ?3 AGA were recruited in this comparative cross-sectional study. After endocrine evaluation they were classified into two groups, that is, Group A consisting of subjects with an altered hormonal profile and Group B with normal hormonal profiles. The groups were assessed for differences in disease phenotype and severity (Norwood-Hamilton grade), insulin resistance and parameters of metabolic syndrome (ATP III guidelines). Results: Altered hormonal profiles were seen in 34 of the 100 subjects with AGA, while insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were noted in 44 and 26 respectively. Altered hormonal profiles were significantly associated with insulin resistance and severe alopecia (grade 4 and above Hamilton-Norwood Scale). Insulin resistant Group A patients had a significantly higher prevalence of severe alopecia (>grade 4) (P = 0.0036). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar in both groups. Limitation: The cross sectional study design was a drawback of this study. Further, a control arm without AGA was not included and the sample size of 100 was selected arbitrarily. Conclusion: An altered hormonal profile and insulin resistance was noted in a third of the males with early-onset AGA. Subjects with altered hormonal profiles had a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and were likely to have severe grades of AGA

Contiguous squamous proliferations in syringocystadenoma papilliferum: A retrospective study of 14 cases

Background: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a benign adnexal neoplasm. Contiguous squamous proliferation has been rarely described in syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum and pathogenesis of contiguous squamous proliferation in syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Materials and Methods: All cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum diagnosed over the past 12 years were screened for contiguous squamous proliferation. Cases with associated nevus sebaceous were excluded from the study. Immunohistochemistry for GATA3, CK7, BRAFV600E and p16 was performed. PCR for human papilloma virus, type 16 and 18, was carried out. Results: Of a total of 30 cases, 14 cases showed associated contiguous squamous proliferation which included four cases of verrucous hyperplasia, six cases with papillomatosis, two cases with mild squamous hyperplasia and one case each of Bowen’s disease and squamous cell carcinoma. In the cases with non-neoplastic contiguous squamous proliferations, the squamous component did not express CK7 or GATA3. However, the squamous component of premalignant and malignant lesions expressed CK7 and GATA3 concordant with the adenomatous component. BRAF was positive in adenomatous component in five cases while the contiguous squamous proliferation component was negative for BRAF in all but one case. p16 was negative in both components of all cases and PCR for human papilloma virus was negative in all cases. Limitations: Due to the rarity of disease, the sample size of our study was relatively small with two cases in the 2nd group, that is, syringocystadenoma papilliferum with malignant contiguous squamous proliferation. Detailed molecular studies such as gene sequencing were not performed. Conclusion: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum with contiguous squamous proliferation is underreported, and most commonly displays verrucous hyperplasia. The premalignant and malignant contiguous squamous proliferations likely arise from syringocystadenoma papilliferum while the hyperplastic contiguous squamous proliferations likely arise from the adjacent epidermis. Relationship with high-risk human papilloma virus is unlikely. However, further molecular analysis of larger number of cases is required to establish the pathogenesis.

A Delphi consensus on the nomenclature and diagnosis of lichen planus pigmentosus and related entities

Background: Although well known in clinical practice, research in lichen planus pigmentosus and related dermal pigmentary diseases is restricted due to lack of consensus on nomenclature and disease definition. Aims and Objectives: Delphi exercise to define and categorise acquired dermal pigmentary diseases. Methods: Core areas were identified including disease definition, etiopathogenesis, risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities and outcome measures. The Delphi exercise was conducted in three rounds. Results: Sixteen researchers representing 12 different universities across India and Australia agreed to be part of this Delphi exercise. At the end of three rounds, a consensus of >80% was reached on usage of the umbrella term ‘acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation’. It was agreed that there were minimal differences, if any, among the disorders previously defined as ashy dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, Riehl’s melanosis and pigmented contact dermatitis. It was also agreed that lichen planus pigmentosus, erythema dyschromicum perstans and ashy dermatosis did not differ significantly apart from the sites of involvement, as historically described in the literature. Exposure to hair colours, sunlight and cosmetics was associated with these disorders in a significant proportion of patients. Participants agreed that both histopathology and dermatoscopy could diagnose dermal pigmentation characteristic of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation but could not differentiate the individual entities of ashy dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, Riehl’s melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus and pigmented contact dermatitis. Limitations: A wider consensus involving representatives from East Asian, European and Latin American countries is required. Conclusion: Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation could be an appropriate conglomerate terminology for acquired dermatoses characterised by idiopathic or multifactorial non-inflammatory macular dermal hyperpigmentation

Minimizing scattered radiation dose in cardiac catheterization laboratory during interventional procedures using lead free drape – MILD study

Objective: RADPAD is a lead-free sterile drape that reduces scattered radiation during fluoroscopic procedures. We aimed to study the effect of using RADPAD on primary operator (PO) and secondary operator (SO) during coronary angiography (CAG) as well as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: 137 patients undergoing elective CAG and PCIwere randomized in a 1:1 pattern with or without the RADPAD. The ratio of PO received dose in mrem to total Air Kerma (AK) in mGy, Dose Area Product (DAP) in mGycm2 and Cine Adjusted Screening Time (CAST) in minute, at the end of the procedure with or without RADPAD were measured and designated as dose relative to AK, DAP and CAST. The exposure ratios were compared for both cohorts. Results: There was no significant difference in CAST, DAP and AK between the two patient cohorts. PO radiation dose relative to CAST was 0.15 ± 0.18 mrem/min for RADPAD cohort and 0.43 ± 0.31 mrem/min for No RADPAD cohort (p < 0.00001). PO dose relative to DAP was 0.00042 ± 0.00049 mrem/mGycm2 for RADPAD cohort and 0.0011 ± 0.0013 mrem/mGycm2 for No RADPAD cohort (p ¼ 0.000014). PO dose relative to AK was 0.0030 ± 0.0037 mrem/mGy for RADPAD cohort and 0.0071 ± 0.0049 mrem/mGy for No RADPAD cohort (p < 0.00001). All PO doses relative to CAST, DAP and AK were significantly reduced in the RADPAD cohort compared to the No RADPAD cohort. Similar findings were observed for the SO also. Conclusion: RADPAD significantly reduces radiation exposure to both PO and SO during CAG and PCI. © 2022 Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd on behalf of Cardiological Society of India

The Effect of Hyaluronic Acid in Preventing Recurrence of Anterior Urethral Stricture after Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy- A Single Centre, Randomised Controlled, Single Blind Study

BACKGROUNDHyaluronidase instillation during OIU may decrease the incidence of urethral stricture recurrence.13 The exact mechanism is not known in urethral stricture, but it is used as antifibrotic agent in hypertrophic scar, keloid, and pulmonary fibrosis. Intralesional injection decreases fibroblast proliferation, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and suppresses proinflammatory mediators in wound healing process.14 This study was conducted to see the benefits of HA for preventing recurrence of anterior urethral stricture after urethrotomy.METHODSAfter obtaining the clearance from ethical committee, 70 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were recruited & randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A (35 patients, experimental group) received hyaluronic acid (HA) instillation & Group B (35 patients, Control group) received lubricant lignocaine after EIU. Each patient was evaluated at 4 weeks (V1), 12 weeks (V2), & 24 weeks (V3) after surgery. The recurrence rate was evaluated by protocol analysis based on number of patients who completed the study. Preoperative characteristics, including the site & length of urethral stricture, were evaluated by intent-to-treat analysis. RESULTSAmong 70 patients, only 30 patients in group A & 30 patients in group B had completed the study. Significant improvement noted in both groups after surgery in every parameter with recurrence in Group A 9.43% & in Group B 22.92% (p <0.05) at V3. IPSS score at V3 were obstructive: Group A - 4.03±0.65, Group B – 5.16±1.84 (p=0.0024), Irritative: group A – 2.8±0.60, Group B – 3.33±1.19 (p=0.033). At V3 follow up Qmax: Group A – 22.40±3.21, Group B – 18.13±3.56 (p=0.0001); Qavg: Group A – 11.43±1.72, Group B – 10.43±2.2 (p=0.048); PVRV: Group A – 10.16 ± 13.81, Group B – 19.33±15.90 (p=0.020); Degree of satisfaction: Group A – 2.11 ± 0.38, Group B – 1.76±0.49 (p=0.0031).CONCLUSIONSHA instillation during EIU decreases the incidence of urethral stricture recurrence & improves degree of satisfaction in long term follow up without any side effect.

Coronary Artery Disease in Young Indians: A Different Entity

Objective: To study the angiographic profile, treatment andoutcome of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in young (< 45years) individuals in India.Methods: Consecutive 132 young adults with CAD reporting totwo tertiary care centres over a period of 1 ½ years wereenrolled as a case control observational study. Subjects whopresented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic stableangina (CSA), Heart failure or AsymptomaticElectrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities but confirmed CAD onCoronary Angiogram (CAG) were included. Angiographicprofile, treatment and outcome were analysed with a follow upof one year.Results: Risk factors of abdominal obesity, lipoprotein (a)[Lp(a)] and tobacco consumption were significantly higher instudy group. ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) wasthe commonest presentation (71.21%). Single vessel disease(56.06 %) was the commonest angiographic profile with LeftAnterior Descending Artery (LAD) involvement (40.91%).Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) was donein 42.5% of STEMI and Thrombolysis in 48.9%. Three types ofcoronary involvement were noticed with Type I having discretelesions/thrombus and Type III having multiple segment/arteryinvolvement with differing risk factor profile and outcome.Diffuse and more severe CAD was associated with tobaccouse, abdominal obesity and elevated Lp (a). Late presentation,diffuse disease and persistence of smoking predicted pooreroutcome.Conclusions: CAD in Young commonly presents with AcuteMI and single vessel LAD involvement. Less than half haveaccess to PAMI. Most require stenting although selectedpatients do well with intracoronary thrombolysis. Delayedtreatment and failure to modify risk factors portend badprognosis.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-based evaluation of systemic and vascular inflammation and assessment of the effect of systemic treatment on inflammation in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study

Background: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate the utility of [[18]F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in identifying vascular and systemic inflammation in psoriasis patients with moderate-to-severe disease and to analyze its usefulness in assessing the effect of systemic treatment. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind pilot study conducted in a tertiary care center. Baseline standardized uptake value score was estimated by18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and compared with historical controls. Patients were then randomized using computer-generated randomization list into methotrexate or placebo (with or without pioglitazone) groups.18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was repeated at 12 weeks and composite standardized uptake value score determined. The correlation between Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index and SUVmax was assessed. Results: A total of 16 patients were randomized to different treatment groups. Significant increase in mean SUVmax was observed in the ascending aorta in psoriasis patients as compared to historical controls (2.03 ± 0.53 vs 1.51 ± 0.36, P < 0.03). There was no difference in composite standardized uptake value score after 12 weeks of treatment in any of the treatment groups (P = 0.82), although an improvement in Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index score in the methotrexate arm was observed. No correlation was found between mean SUVmax and Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index scores in various aortic segments (r = 0.3–0.7). Limitations: Small sample size, short follow-up, historical controls, exclusion of patients with comorbid conditions and lack of surrogate markers of systemic inflammation. Conclusion: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging showed higher vascular inflammation in ascending aorta of psoriasis patients as compared to historical controls. Systemic treatment with methotrexate and pioglitazone did not influence the vascular inflammation in the short term.

Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in leprosy patients with erythema nodosum leprosum

Background: Erythema nodosum leprosum is an immune-mediated complication of leprosy which causes significant morbidity. Biomarkers in the pathogenesis of erythema nodosum leprosum are not yet fully determined. Aim: To determine macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in the sera of leprosy patients with erythema nodosum leprosum and to correlate the same with clinical parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 37 consecutive leprosy patients with active erythema nodosum leprosum and 31 age- and sex-matched controls. Detailed clinical history and examination findings were recorded including the severity and frequency of erythema nodosum leprosum. Slit skin smears and histopathologic examination were done in all patients at baseline. Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Most of our patients were males (78.4%) and suffering from lepromatous leprosy (27, 73%) with a mean initial bacillary index of 3.38 ± 1.36. Recurrent and chronic patterns of erythema nodosum leprosum were seen in 15 (40.5%) and 6 (16.3%) patients, respectively. Most (86.5%) of our patients presented with moderate to severe erythema nodosum leprosum. The mean serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor level was 21.86 ± 18.7 ng/ml among patients while it was 11.78 ± 8.4 ng/ml in the control group (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant correlations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels with erythema nodosum leprosum frequency or severity. Limitation: Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in leprosy patients with no erythema nodosum leprosum and in patients with other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions were not assessed. Hence, this study falls short of providing the predictive value and specificity of higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations in serum as a biomarker of erythema nodosum leprosum. Conclusion: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels are elevated in erythema nodosum leprosum patients as compared to controls. A larger sample size and macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphism analysis will be needed to elucidate the role of this pro-inflammatory cytokine in erythema nodosum leprosum.

Hair manifestations of endocrine diseases: A brief review

Hair disorders are common in clinical practice and depending upon social and ethnic norms, it can cause significant psychosocial distress. Hair growth, cycling and density are regulated by many endogenous factors, mainly circulating hormones. Thus, diseases affecting the endocrine system can cause varied changes in physiological hair growth and cycling. Diagnosis and treatment of these disorders require a multidisciplinary approach involving a dermatologist, gynecologist and an endocrinologist. In this review, we briefly discuss the influence of hormones on the hair cycle and hair changes in various endocrine disorders.

Role of yoga therapy on lipid profile in patients of hypertension and prehypertension

Background: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are one of the most prevalent cardiovascular disorders affecting 20% of world抯 population. There is emerging data that yoga therapies may be useful in managing modest elevations in BP. Yoga, specific yogic exercise (Sudarshan kriya) taught as a training protocol under Art of living course (AOL), is especially attractive as a candidate therapy in the management of elevated BP because of its combination of gentle physical activity. Hence, this study was undertaken to compare the effects of SDK on blood lipid levels.Methods: A total of 300 patients of hypertension and prehypertension were taken in the study where control group were given drugs treatment and life style modification and yoga group additionally had undergone yoga training. Lipid levels were estimated in both groups at entry, 06 months and 12 months and analyzed.Results: Lipid levels at entry were same in both while the yoga therapy group showed decrease in TG, LDL and VLDL at six months and 12 months but decrease was not significant. HDL levels showed significant increase in yoga group (P<0.05) at six months which was maintained at 12 months more so in diabetic patients.Conclusions: Yoga therapy has beneficial effect on serum lipid levels and should be included in therapy along with other measures.

Markers of inflammation following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its effect on adverse events

Background: Number of markers of inflammation has been associated with coronary artery disease and various studies have shown increased levels during chronic stable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention. However, co-relation to final outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with these markers has not been studied. Aim of this study was to try and find a correlation between markers of inflammation released during percutaneous coronary intervention and incidence of restenosis on follow up at 06 moths on patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with Bare Metal Stent (BMS).Methods: 36 consecutive only Bare Metal Stent (BMS) angioplasties done at our centre between July 2015 and June 2016 were analysed for markers of inflammation from peripheral venous sample before the procedure and coronary sinus sample after the procedure. Pts were kept on follow up for 6 months and assessed as per their clinical symptoms and Coronary Angiogram was done where indicated and results tabulated.Results: There was increase in the studied markers of inflammation post percutaneous coronary intervention but they did not correlate with or predict possible restenosis.Conclusions: This study showed that markers of inflammation are elevated during percutaneous coronary intervention but none of these markers correlates with subsequent restenosis.

Echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus without covert cardiac involvement

Background: Diabetic patients develop systolic and diastolic dysfunction without even associated coronary artery disease. But diastolic dysfunction is more prevalent in diabetic patients than systolic dysfunction and usually occurs before onset of symptoms. Recognition of early diastolic dysfunction is likely to make management better and avoids progression of cardiac dysfunction. This study was conducted in patients of Diabetes mellitus without other comorbidities.Methods: The present study which is cross sectional and was carried out among outpatients and inpatients of tertiary care hospital of Armed forces and involved army personnel and their dependents and sample size was 100 patients.Results: The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction among our study participants was found to be 36%. Diastolic dysfunction was found to be significantly higher among elderly individuals (60%) when compared to young study participants. (p<0.0001). Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was found to be non-significantly higher among males and with longer duration of diabetes as compared to lesser duration and female gender.Conclusions: Diastolic dysfunction, evaluated by echocardiography, was found to be fairly prevalent (36%; 95% CI = 27-45%) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Poor Glycaemic control and increasing age were found to be significantly associated with presence of diastolic dysfunction among individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Geriatric Patients

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health problem. In India Vitamin D Deficiency is prevalent, a finding that is unexpected in a tropical country with abundant sunshine. This study evaluated prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among geriatric patients.Methods: The present study was a hospitalized based cross sectional study conducted among geriatric patients attending the ortho. OPD of CIMS, Lucknow. Those elderly (>60 yrs) consenting to participate were including in this study .Patients who were on vitamin D3 & calcium supply (6 month) were excluded. Results: In this study we have taken 200 sample size. Geriatric patients who were not on vitamin D and calcium supplements for last 6 months were included for the study. Out of 200 participants, only 27(13.5%) participants had normal vitamin D levels and 173 (86.5%) study participants had low vitamin D levels among them 112 (56%) participants had vitamin D deficiency, 61(30.5%) participants had vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusions: Present study confirmed that Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem among geriatric age group.

Complications after prone PCNL in pediatric, adult and geriatric patients - a single center experience over 7 years

ABSTRACT Introduction CROES-Clavien system (CCS) for grading complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a step towards standardization of outcomes. We categorized complications based on CCS and predicted risk factors across the entire cohort and individually for pediatric (P: ≤18 years), adult (A: 19-65 years) and geriatric (G: ≥65 years) subgroups to assess the risk factors in each subset. We assessed association of complications with length of hospitalization (LOH) and operation time (OT). Materials and Methods Retrospective record review of unilateral PCNL performed between January 2009-September 2015 at a tertiary care center in India, performing around 150 PCNL per year. Results Out of 922 (P=61; A=794; G=67) PCNL, 259 (28.09%) complications occurred with CCS I, II, III and IV constituting 152 (16.49%), 72 (7.81%), 31 (3.36%) and 4 (0.43%) respectively and its distribution was similar across the subsets and majority (224; 24.3%) were minor (CCS-1, 2). Placement of a nephrostomy (47.4%; 18/38) in Group P, supracostal access, ≥2 punctures, higher GSS, nephrostomy, staghorn stones, ≥2 stones, stone size in Group A and hydronephrosis and prolonged OT in Group G were significantly associated with complications. On logistic regression, need of nephrostomy (adj. OR - 4.549), OT (adj. OR - 1.364) and supracostal access (adj. OR - 1.471) significantly contributed to complications in the study population. LOH was found to be significantly associated with complications (p<0.001). Conclusions Contrary to the belief that extremes of ages are associated with complications of prone PCNL, we found age does not alter the incidence or grade of complications and LOH.

Incidence of De Novo Erectile Dysfunction after Urethroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE: De novo erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known complication after urethroplasty. Incidence and natural history of de novo ED after urethroplasty is underreported. We assessed the incidence of de novo ED after urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive consenting urethroplasty (n=48) patients aged 21 to 50 years from February 2014 to July 2016 with normal preoperative erectile function as determined by an International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score ≥22 were included and interviewed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: In patients with anterior stricture (n=40), substitution urethroplasty (SU) was performed in 22 patients (55.0%) and end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty (EEAU) in 18 patients (45.0%). Their mean IIEF-5 score was 24.15±0.8 preoperatively, 20.10±4.2 at 3 months (p<0.001), 22.70±2.3 at 6 months (p=0.0012), and 23.70±1.7 at 12 months (p=0.03), showing a recovery of erectile function with time. All 8 patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) underwent progressive perineal urethroplasty. Their mean IIEF score was 24.0±1.2 preoperatively, 18.8±5.4 at 3 months (p=0.002), 20.9±3.5 at 6 months (p=0.37), and 22.0±1.5 at 12 months (p=0.427). The incidence of ED was similar at 1 year postoperatively between patients with anterior stricture and PFUI and between patients who underwent EEAU or SU for anterior stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of ED at 1 year after PFUI is similar to that after surgery for anterior stricture in patients with normal preoperative erectile function. Among the cases of anterior stricture, recovery was better with SU at 3 months and was similar between SU and EEAU at 1 year.